BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 197, 14 May 1908, Page 5

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

DISCUSSION AT AUCKLAND. (JIY TELEGRA.ru —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, May 13. ■The question of introducing the Bible into tho public schools was the subject of some discussion at tho meeting of the Auckland Presbytery. , - Mr 7A. Bell moved: That the Book of Proverbs be recommended-by the Presbytery, to the Board of Education as a school book, after a committee of the has considered it, with a view to the elimination of what may be unsuitable." The mover considered that there was little chance of the Bible ever being introduced into tho schools, and thought that if the Book of Proverbs were introduced as suggested, it would be productive of much good. Tho majority, of the Presbytery, while sympathising with Mr. Bell in his good intentions, generally opposed tho motion on tho ground that it would be a retrograde step, and that if they were unable to get the Bible read or, taught in the schools as desired, it would be preferable to Jiavo copies of the Ten Commandments and of the Lord's Prayej hung up in the schoolrooms. Mr. L. J. Bagnall (chairman of the Education- Board) said the Board had already approved of tho Toil Commandments being hung in the class-rooms. As to getting the Biblo or any part of it used as a school book, however, that was not a .matter for tho Board's consideration, and could only be authorisedby tho Department. Mr. Bell withdrew his motion, and a committeo was set up to consider the whole question.