STILL ECHOING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19719, 9 December 1926, Page 2

STILL ECHOING

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS BAN PARENTS TO BE CONSULTED BOARD’S DIRECTION SOUGHT An echo of th): recent Bible-in-Schools controversy was heard at the Education Board’s meeting last night, When Mr R. Irwin, headmaster of the Queen’s Park School asked the Board’s direction respecting the Bible-in-Schools Association’s request that he furnish the names and addresses of parents. Mr Irwin, who wrote as secretary of the Wanganui Headteachers’ Association, said he believed there was a definite principle involved. Mr H. Mclntyre: I move that permission be not granted. The chairman (Mr W. A. Collins): If they want to take a. plebiscite they should take it of the taxpayers, and not of the parents. Any seconder? Mr Joblin: What is the objection? A Further Wrangle Mr Mclntyre: This is an aftermath of what wo have already thrashed out. It has disturbed the Board enough. They are trying to have a further wrangle. Mr Aitken: Oh no, no wrangle. Mr Mclntyre said he would make his motion more explicit. He moved that the headmasters should not give information. Mr Hornblow seconded the motion, stating that the Association had other methods open to it, if a plebiscite was wanted. Mr Joblin said the exact principle involved in this request had not come before the Board before. Ho asked what harm there could be in granting the request. Mr Aitken said all the Bible-in-Schools Association wanted was the name of the parent or guardian of each child. Mr Mclntyre: It is an electioneering dodge. The chairman (to Mr Aitken): I think you are only beating the air. Please Themselves Mr E. M. Hemingway: Isn’t it a matter about which the headmasters can please themselves? He fancied all the Headmasters’ Association wanted was to know the attitude the Board would take up. Wore the teachers to be given a free hand, or not? It would be very arbitrary if the Hoard was to forbid the headmasters giving information, if they wanted to go out of their way to give it. Mr Mclntyre said if the headmasters were allowed to do so, the holders of any creed, Mormons, and anyone else, could demand similar information. Amendment Carried An amendment that the headmasters be allowed discretion was mov.ed by Mr Joblin, seconded by Mr Hemingway, and carried, Messrs Mclntyre and Hornblow were the only ones to oppo&c it. Mr Aitken: I would like to thank the Board for that concession. (Laughter).