BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20027, 8 September 1930, Page 7

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

MINISTER'S STATEMENT. Speaking to a representative of The Pusss yesterday, the Minister for Equation (the Hon. H. Atmore) outlined the recommendations in the Education Report in regard to Bible reading in schools. When the Education Act Amendment Bill, brought down by Mr R. A. Wright as Minister for Education in 1928, had been referred to the Education Committee, the speaker had moved for the insertion of a clause which would prevent a Board or School Committee from refusing admission to any duly accredited person desiring to give religious instruction outside the compulsory hours, for half an hour, either before or after these hours. This wag the Nelson system, which had been in force since 1897, although certain Boards had refused admission to those desiring to take advantage of it. The clause he had had inserted was intended to take away this power, but it had been included against Mr V\ right's wish, and he had dropped the Bill. However, the point was covered in Clause 278 of the recommendations in the Education Report, which were intended to overcome the shortcomings in the Act. Mr Atmore said that he had received o letter of congratulation from the Rev. E. O. Blamire<=. secretary of the Bible-in-Schools League, who rerosrnised that while the recommendations did not go so far as ho would like, they represented in advance on the present legislation.