J.—s

1878. NEW ZEALAND.

PETITION OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE CITY AND SUBURBS OF AUCKLAND.

Presented to the House of Representatives, 20th September, 1878, and ordered to be printed. To the Honorable the House of Representatives of the Colony of New Zealand in Parliament assembled. The Petition of the Inhabitants op the City and Sububbs of Auckland. Showeth, — That the Education Act now in force in 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 education as a part of tho State educational system of the colony. 3. That your petitioners believe, should this measure become law, that it will inevitably cause much sectarian jealousy, and impede the progress ot* education in the colony. Tour petitioneers therefore humbly pray that your Honorable House will not pass the Bill intituled " The Education Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1878." And your petitioners will ever pray. [Here follow 2,716 signatures.] By Authority : George Didsburt, Government Printer, Wellington. —1878. Price 3d.]