RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 52, 29 August 1895, Page 4

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

A deputation from the various city Sohool Committees interviewed the Minister for Education last night on the snbjeot of tbe introduction of religious instruction in Bohools. Mr. J. W. Davis, Chairman of the Newtown Sohool Committee, said the deputation oame in consequenoe of a resolution passed at a meeting of householders recommending the introduction of Scripture teaohing in the sohools. There was strong reason for believing that public opinion was almost unanimously in favour ot some snch system, and that it should be on the lines of the Irish National Text Book. The time was now ripe for such a reform. The Sunday Sohools were not sufficient in themselves to disseminate Soriptnral instruction. Itwasnot suggested the reading should bo oompulsory — there should be a conscience olanse. They desired to know whether the Government would consider the advisableness of introduoing the book or some system into the publio schools. Mr. D. Robertson, Clyde-quay, Baid this text-book was approved of in Ireland, where the greatest opposition might have been looked for. Whether a text-book or the Bible itself were introduced did not much matter, bo long as one of them was. "At the same time it was not desired to disturb the existing excellent national system of education. The Rev. H. Van Staveren said the Terrace Committee was of opinion that Scripture teaohing was altogether too delicate a matter for a teaoher to take in hand. It might lead to results altogether unanticipated. Mr. J. M'Lean, Newtown, thought that the introdnotion of tbe lush Text Book would stop the ory of denominationalism. The Minister said he was in receipt of a letter from a gentleman dißßOiiting from the objects of the deputation. He did not agree with the view that the introduction of the text book would .stop the requests for grants for denominational schools, nor was he inolined to think the introduction of the Irish Text Book would reoonoile the Catholics to the national sohools. The reform asked was a matter whioh required careful consideration. For his own part, he should be exceedingly camionß before he added to the existing functions of State sohool teachers any kind of religious instruction. But it was out of the question that a policy matter of suoh importance oould be dealt with hurriedly, or even this session. There was already too much to do, and he would only be parleying with the deputation if he were to promise them that it would be considered. At the some time he was pleased to have been consulted, and would at any time be glad to confer with committees on matters of publio importance. Mr. Robertson said that potitions would no donbt be sent in from tho congregations of various churohes. It was a matter which the Government wonld have to fooe Booner or later. Tbe Minister replied that tbe Government would not burke the question when tho proper time arrived. He had no doubt that it waa a reform whioh many people wished to see carried out.