CHRISTCHURCH.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1177, 12 July 1911, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION Itf SCHOOLS. (By Telecraph.-Presj Association.) Christchurch, July 11. At this morning's meeting of tho Christchurch Presbytery, tho report of the General Assembly's Committee on Religious Instruction in Public Schools was considered. The Rev. J. Mackenzie moved, and the Eev. E. Wood seconded, and it was carried, that tho Presbytery approves generally of the principles of the' New South Wales scheme of religious education, and more especially of the Queensland Act of 1910, by which the scheme, with minor modifications, whs adopted in tho' State schools of Queensland. The Presbytery does not think it necessary or desirable at this stago to discuss details of tho scheme, being persuaded that when, the main principle is admitted the details will bo settled without difficulty. ■ GAOL CHAPLAINS. The Rev. C. Murray brought forward an overture to be forwarded to the Assembly in favour of tho Government subsidising gaol chaplains. He said he was not greatly in symoathy with the overture, but there was a feeling that as Australian gaol chaplains were subsidised the same rule should hold good in New Zealand. There was, of course, tho view that it was a question whether a minister was to bo paid for all Christian work ho did. The overture looked a little mercenary. , The Rev. F. Rule said that tho minister who happened to be gaol chaplain had not only .to attend to the spiritual wants of prisoners, but a great deal of their timo was taken up in assisting prisoners when they left gaol, and a great deal of their money was used in that way. A gaol chaplain had his hand constantly in iis pocket, and the Government ought to help. The Rev. Dr. Erwin took the chair at this stage, in order to allow tho Moderator (tho Rov. W. It. Campbell) to speak. Mr. Campbell said he thought the only argument that could be advanced in favour of the overture was that in some cases.tho subsidy to tho chaplain might bo a subsidy to the congregation. Payment, however, would give the chaplajn a different feeling in approaching prisoners, and prisoners, too, would not feel that tho chaulain was visiting them purely as a friend. The Rev. J. Mackenzie said the real difficulty was this: From tho point of view of the Church a minister who happened to bo ii £uol chaplain was at a disadvantage, ns his timo was largely occupied in gaol work, and his church did not <r«t the advantage of his services to the full extent. He did not, however, think that the overture was a wise way of dealing with the question. It would be very much better if the Church was to look on it from the point of view that he had a duty in this msittr. The Assembly might consider this part of the social work of * the' Church. ! The Rev.jT. M'Doriald , eaid that there jwas no hopo of getting a subsidy from the Government' unless tV.e Presbytery could promise to send chaplains that'would empty the gaols. (Laughtor.) It was agreed , that, the overture bo not transmitted to tho Assembly. Mr. Mackenzie said ho would submit . His proposals later on. ■ REGIMENTAL CAMPS. Tho Defence Department wrote, in replv to an inquiry, that it was not intended to have standing camps, but to •hold regimental camps for seven days. Every facility Would be eiven for. social nhil rclieioua work. In ' Canterbury district tho approximate, number, of mm in camp would be 1000 infantry. 530 moiuitpd men. 150 artillery, 250 engineers, and 150 garrison 'artillery.