THE BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS BILL

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21245, 17 August 1934, Page 20

THE BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS BILL

SUPPORT FOR THE MOVEMENT "The critical stage has arrived when the supporters of the Bi'ole-in-schools movement must show that they mean business." states a leading articl'e in the latest issue of the "New Zealand Methodist Times." "Everything depends on what action they take between now and August 29,, when the bill will again come before Parliament. The leaders in moral reform do not seem to be well followed in these days. Great movements that used to awaken enthusiasm now languish. Men still profess adherence to them, but they scarcely stir a hand or lift a voice in their support. "We New Zealanders seem to be losing our enthusiasm, our power to fight, and to continue fighting till the day is won. Something of this applies to the cause of Bible-in-schools. The mass of the people approve it. If there be a doubt, let any party in the Dominion take a referendum and see what will happen. And yet an alert minority defeats the general wish. The supporters of the movement deserve defeat if they make no united and vigorous effort to carry their cause. It is not now a matter so much *or discussion as for action. The movement has been wisely and ably led, the provisions of the bill are modcrate, and every interest of both parents and teachers is perfectly guarded. Churches representing threequarters of a million of the people give it practically unanimous support through their chief courts. "Yet, so close is the issue in Parliament likely to be, that it mav hang upon a single vote. In every city and provincial town throughout the land public demonstrations should be held in favour of the bill, and every 'elector SSJ?*, 1 ! 11 ifT"* 4 Should address a respectful but urgent letter to his member, pressing for his support Silence and inertia will so-ell defeat. The people who want the bill will not get it unless they show that they mean to have it. Surely no supporter who u-Z con sid'ar3 the interests of the wm svi ?u d the welfare of the State WIU rau the cause at this time."