PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1918, Page 5

PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION.

I ' 1 **"" DEPUTATIONS TO MTNTSTTj^fi j By Telegraph.—iPtess Association. Wellington, Last Sight. Delegates to the Protestant Political Association at present sitting in Wellington, waited upon the -Minister for Education to-day to prctheir views regarding denominational grants and other matters. The Rev. Howard Elliott said % association wished to protest against certain movements that constituted a threat against the whole education system. State scholarships had been allowed to bo held in sectarian school;, Thi deputation asked for the immediate withdrawal of the concession. Mr, Elliott protested against a subsidy being given to Catholic schools in Dunedin fo. technical education, against free railway passes being granted to childrei attending denominational schools, "and against nuns 'being allowed free passes on Coveriunent railways. The Minister, replying, said the system of allowing certain scholarships to be held in denominational schools had been initiated before he took office. The concession had not been confined to Catholic schools. Recently lie submitted the matter to Cabinet, which decided that the matter should stand over until nest session. Free places in denominational schools had been asked for, but refused by the National Government. He would inquire regarding the grant for technical education in Dunedin .Catholio schools and the issue of free railway passes to Catholic children and niins. He was with the deputation in wishing to uphold the national system of educationThe deputation later interviewed the Minister for Justice. Mr. ElUott said they wished to draw attention to matters connected with the police force. He had copies of police reports filed in Wellington during the present year: showing that at a public meeting addressed by Mr. Massey and Sir Joaep? Ward a certain constable had been prominent in acts of rowdyism. The constable in question had only teen reprimanded Mr. Elliott proceeded to refer to the Auckland affair, alleging a police dete tive had taken information to this liead of a certain company instead of dealing with the case in the ordinary way, The offending officer was merely fined £3 and left in his employment. Mr. Elliott protested against instructions to t'Ue police tbat religious persons chafged should not be entered on the chargesheeta. The Minister said there was a difference between a charge and a conviction. The prison records showed fail particulars regarding tb« Wellington case mentioned. He would look up the oflvcial reports. Ho was not prepared meantime to accept as accurate copies produced !>y Mr. Elliott. He would also examine the records of flie Auckland case mentioned- His reply on the points raised womld be sent within a week, and would be final, dear, and- free from quibbling.