BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1922, Page 12

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

THE ROTORUA DISPUTE. HOARD'S Al TION ITIIKLI"). ll!y Tcloyraph.— Own Correspondent.. J ROTOIU"."), (his div. Tlu- Itotorun District High School | Committee re reived the following letiler irom the Minister of Kducation in reply ito one asking fur a legal opinion on thci board's decision in regard to the com-1 mittce's Avisli tn introduce the Nelson! system of Bible instruction in schools during school hours:—"l have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of May .'iO regarding the dispute between your committee and the hoard as to whether under section -l!l of the Kducation. You suggest that 1, as Minister of fix the time fur the opening of the school half an hour later than usual on Wednesdays in order that the half hour may he devoted tn Bible instruction. You suggest that las Minister of Education, should endeavour to induce the board to withdraw its opposition to the committee's . proptvnl in the matter. 1 have looked at the section j

r of the Act referred to and am satisfied that, however, much as 1 may disagree \ with the Action of the board, it is ?.' within its rights in refusing to vary the • time of the opening nf the school as . requested by the committee, nor have I. ;' »s Minister of Kilueation, any right tv

".'■ interfere. The board lias acted after --a due deliberation, and therefore is no! .. likely to reverse it's ilc:'i.-.io:i. 1 under- ,'.', stand, however, that the committee is > dissatisfied with this view. and. if that % is so, it, is open to take legal advice and f* such action as may be deemed necessary v to test the validity of the hoard's refusal !• to comply with the committee's request. h P.S.—Since the above was written 1 t ; bave received the opinion of the SolicitorV. General confirming my views that tinboard is within it-, rights in refusing ; to permit the school to he opened half an liour later on Wednesdays for Bible instruction."