No. 34

With reference to my Despatch No. 16 of the 2nd Sept. last
acknowledging the receipt of your despatch No. 92 of the 27th July,
respecting the rules and regulations for the management and Government
of common Schools established [by] the B.C. "Common School Amendment
Ordinance 1870" I have to observe that it appears to me unlikely that
Common prayer in mixed Schools may be objected to in B.C. for the same
reasons which have caused objections to it in Ireland. You are doubtless
aware that it is prohibited by the National Board of Education in
the latter country.

The Irish Board has also found it necessary to discontinue the use
of such books on Scripture lessons and lessons on Christianity which I
perceive are among the books to be used by the Common Schools during the
hours of united instructions.

I do not desire to interfere with the Regulations as they seem to
be unobjectionable, but I think it right to submit these observations
for your consideration, and that of your Council.