EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 114, 15 May 1924, Page 3

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

QUARTERLY MEETING. \ i

BIBLE EST SCHOOLS QUESTION.

The quarterly meeting of the Auckland branch of the 'New Zealand Educational Institute was held to-day, Mr. W. H. Newton presiding over a small attendance. Members made pointed reference to the fact that teachers neglected to attend the meeting in numbers that could be considered truly representative of the large membership. It was stated by a member that teachers had been circularised with regard to their views on the question of Bible-reading in schools. They were asked to send their replies to Mr. Proudhough, of Christchurch. The question had always been a burning one, said the ; member, and it was felt that a lead should be given in connection with the matter. Did the central executive have any information concerning the mattei ?

The president, Mr. W. H. Newton, replied that the exexcutive had no information, and it had not official knowledge of any referendum of the kind mentioned. It was believed that the circulars were sent out by one who was an enthusiast of the question of Biblereading in schools.

It was pointed out that the institute had dealt with the question at the last annual meeting.

A report by the Management Committee concerning answers to queries by the New Zealand Labour Party was endorsed The report stated that there was no evidence of any ill-effect, or bad or insufficient nutrition being general among children, and only individual cases were known. No provision had been made for set meals in schools, except the provision of cocoa, the value of which was appreciated by children in most cases. The proposal that one jneal per day should be provided for all children was considered inadvisable and impracticable under conditions existing in New Zealand. ,

It was decided to make a contribution of £10 to the Murray Memorial Purse, and that individual members could supplement this amount by private subscriptions.