BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 284, 30 November 1928, Page 9

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

PRESBYTERIAN ATTITUDE. NELSON SYSTEM FAVOURED. DEBATE AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Support for the Nelson system of Bible reading in State schools was given unanimously by the Presbyterian General Assembly yesterday, and adherence to the platform of the Bible in State Schools League. The Rev. J. Paterson, of Wanganui. presented the report of the Bible in Schools Committee. This referred to the defeat of the bill introduced by the Hon. L. M. Isitt, and stated that though the great mass of 'the people desired Bible reading in the schools, their desire was not sufficiently intense. On the other hand the' opposition was strenuous. A recommendation was made to continue political action. Mr. Paterson ventured the opinion that even the church did not realise the tragedy of the present system. The late Mr. Massey had given whole-hearted support to the league's platform, which wa? the only platform on which they could get agreement and united action. The Roman Catholic Church vras the great opponent, and no doubt it was righr from its own viewpoint. It was in effect an endeavour to dragoon the other forces into giving it State aid for its church schools. He moved that the assembly express continued allegiance to the platform of the Bible in State Schools League, and pxhort ministers to make use of the Nelson system wherever possible.

That more should be done to tak<cdvantage of the oxi-tinp opportunities for entering the schools was the opinion of the Rev. F. J. Ussher, of l'icton. who seconded. Rev. L. H. Hunt, of Mount Eden, urged the wider use of the Nelson system. Rev. H. H. Barton moved an amendment to the effect that the Assembly should support the Victorian system. as embodied in a bill presented to Parliament by the Hon. G. M. Thomson. It was an adaptation of the N'elson system md 136.000 children in Victoria received instruction under it. Rev R, M. Rvburn approved of the amendment as well as the motion, «id S¥3t

Rev. Dr. Gibb was of opinion that the present Parliament would not be very helpful. He traced the history of the Bible in schools movement. Half a loaf was better than no bread, and he would support the amendment. The amendment wag lost and the motion carried.