THE BIBLE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 155, 13 April 1934, Page 5

THE BIBLE.

A TYPOGRAPHICAL CHANGE. MOTION BEFORE SYNOD. ;. (Per Press Association). - NAPIER, April 12. . .The possibilities of adopting a form of Bible more in keeping with the best modern hook production is receiving the attention of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of New Zealand now sitting in Napier. At this evening’s session a motion to'this effect was fn'oved by Archdeacon G. H. Gavin arid seconded, hut the debate was adjourned till later in the.session. The motion read as follows.: — . “That the General Synod of New Zealand considers the time has, comewhen it is advisable to cease the publication of the authorised version of the Bible in its present form, and to adopt a form mere in keeping with _ best modern book production; that it believes there is a large public, ready to welcome such a change, arid that it is convinced that it would greatly facilitate public reading of the Bible and lead to a more intelligent study of it in private f catling. While not- contemplating the alteration of a-single word in this great 1 English classic, the SynGd would welcome expert consideration of the following' changes (I) “That no type should he used smaller than 14 point size. (9)- “That the double column be abolished and the typescript allowed to run' across the pages as in an ordinary book. (3) “That indentation’s, etc., for chapters and verses he abolished, and chapter and-verse numbers be relegated to the margin for reference purposes. ,/(4) “That poetry bo printed •as •poetry. ■ ■ t re/ ; (5) .“That.ouota.tion marks he used. (6) dialogue be printed as dialogue. (7) “That dislocations,of text be set right where misplacement of passages is .deemed to have occurred, (8) “That the Bible he re-arranged in chronological Sequence so as to show the intelligent reader the development of religious thought, (9) “That the Apocrypha be more generally included in the various coitions. - (10) “That a more suitable colour bo . substituted for the present black cover. (II) “That, a copy of this resolution be forwarded to ‘their Graces the Archbishops of Onnterbiiry, \ovk nnd Anna'»li, the svndics of the University presses of Oxford and Cambridge, and to Messrs Eyre and Spottiswoode. the King’s printers, with a request that consideration be given to this muchneeded reform.”