UNKNOWN

Auckland Star, Issue 153, 1 July 1887, Page 2

UNKNOWN

VTo the Editor).

S.B —I b(HJe the deputation from the Biblein scho<"*s'meetin_;.to the Education Board will he told that the return they want must be jot at their own charges. What they - require is clearly outside the Act, and the expenditure illegal. I think they err reBpecting public opinion in Dunedin ; true, a lar°-e majority of paper opinion was obtained, bub why suppress the fact that the promoter and champion of the movement there, M. ! VV. Green, was defeated 'by Sir Robert Stout decisively. Mr W.G. making this very question of Bible in schools the issue ?, I think the promoters err in judgment in concluding, that the Government have anythiug to do: with the religion of the people unless lb if: against morals and peace. 1 think they err in the knowledge of things. Ihe worst offences in the city schools were by children attending Sunday-schools, and the statistics of youthful criminality have yet to be produced to tell ao-ainst the present system. If the teaching can be shown to be conducive of crime, show hour, and they have remedied. I think they lack practical wisdom it they propose to so interfere with the course of instruction that many will have to retire to the playground while the Bible lesson is on, or if first lesson, have the privilege of being ' late." I think they lack sincere anxiety or else they would attend before school is dismissed and teach all willing to stay I know every facility has been afforded in the city schools for this purpose, in vain 1 think what is really wanted by them is denominational education — catechism,* not ■Bible'—ot which system and methods many have yeb a lively recollection. 1 thmk it Christians would take the pains to teach their children religion—the Jews do independent of State aid —and avail themselves of the secular teaching as they do, better results would accrue. 1 clo not think any would object to a compilation of old world history, as contained in the Bible, arranged to suit the young mind. lam glad to know that many Soman Catholics are in the schools, both as teachers and scholars, and will oppose any change annoying to them,— Yours, &c, .E. CABR. : — £-~ :- !