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Sir Thomas Phillips' advice is "not to attempt to combine the heterogeneous elements of Church and Dissent in the same school." (5499.) That the State should look only to the state of things which now exists, and should assist the building of a school, whether the promoters be Churchmen or Dissenters according to the number of children who it can be shown would receive instruction in the one or the other. (5500—5.) Every word of Sir Thomas Phillips' evidence deserves a careful consideration, and I regret that I cannot avail myself of it more largely in this review of the subjects he so ably discusses.
Having exhibited first the Dissenters' and then the Churchman's view of the education question in Wales, I will now examine the official opinions of the same subject.
Mr. Joseph Bowstead is H.M. Inspector for South Wales of "Protestant schools not connected with the Church." (3012.) "It is no part of his duty, and he is expressly forbidden to examine into a report upon the religious teaching of the schools under his inspection." (3095, 6.)
"The Wesleyan is the only denomination which does not unite with the rest in the support of British and Foreign schools when they can get schools of their own." (3198.)
"Their schools are supported entirely by Wesleyans, and they generally teach to those who like to learn it the Wesleyan catechism, but they are open to all, without compulsory teaching of the catechism." (3196.)
Mr. Bowstead is asked—
"3102. You have stated that in your opinion no scheme could be invented for securing the harmonious co-operation of Churchmen and Dissenters in the management of schools in Wales. What is your cure for the existing difficulties?—I confess that I should recommend the Government to give up the building grants altogether, and allow the initiative of schools to be taken by parties upon the spot."
"3245. The Dissenters do not consider the Conscience Clause enough for Wales; it entirely excludes all Dissenters from being managers of the schools: they are fond of managing their own affairs, and would like to have a voice in the management of the schools."
