THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 972, 14 September 1878, Page 2

THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

A counter movement is being organised m Auckland against die attempt being made by the Catholics to interfere with the secular character ot the JbJduca'ion Act by the passing, of Mr Curtis' " Education Act A mendraent Bill." A. numerously and influenfcially-attended meeting was hastily got together by circular on Thursday/over winch Mr J. C. Firth presided, when the following resolution (moved by Mr Larkins) was passed : — That, inasmuch as Mr Curtis' proposed Bill will tend to stir up strife among 1 religious bodies, and interfere Arith the present successful working of the Education Act noAv m force, this meeting recommends a petition against it to be sisrned m the city and suburbs of Auckland, and forwarded to the Auckland | members. It was agreed to drift a petition to the Assembly, and, to expedite the matter (so as to have it signed and ready for transmission by Monday's steamei'), an active canvass for signatures is being made. The petition is as follows : — The petition of the inhabitants of the city and suburbs of Auckland to the House of Representatives, now m Parliament assembled, showeth : — 1. That the Education Act now m force m this colony . is working- satisfactorily, and promises to be of the greatest benefit to the community. 2. That your petitioners learn that a bill, intituled " The Education Act, 1877, Amendment Act, 1878," has been introduced to your Honorable House, the provisions of which seek to establish denominational edncation as a part of the State educational system of the colony. 3. That your petitioners believe, should this measure become law, that it will inevitably cause muoh sectarian jealousy, and impede the progress of education m the colony^ i. Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray, that your Honorable House will not pass the bill intituled " The Education Act, 1577, Amendment Act, 1878." And your petitioners will ever pray.