MR. SPEAKER WILLIS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 181, 18 December 1912, Page 7

MR. SPEAKER WILLIS.

"THE ONLY LIBERAL LEFT." THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, December 17. Speaker Willis' latest role is that of critic of the State schools. Speaking at a teachers' conference with reference to religious teaching in schools, he characterised it as a Godless system, in the midst of which God was not. His remarks met with the strong dissent of the gathering. The ex-Minister of Education and the Director of Education replied, warmly defending the system and repudiating the charge. Touching politics, Mr. Willis told the teachers that only one Liberal was left. He did not know whether they were going to vote for Labor or the other fellow, but he knew the other fellow was a humbug. His objection to Labor was that it did not go far enough or fast enough. Defending his claim to a higher salary, he said the workman was worthy of his hire. Plenty of men were willing to represent them for nothing. The man who did it for nothing got rich. One thing lie was bound to sav about Australian public men was that they were honest. He had had nine years' experience, and had never .seen a member take as much as a twopenny stamp. He was willing to serve for nothing, because it was an honor to represent one's country.