BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Evening Star, Issue 19328, 14 August 1926, Page 4

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

DEBATE IN UPPER CHAMBER

Jn the Legislative Council yesterday a lengthy third reading debate took place on the Religious Lxeicises in Schools Bill. . . . The .Hon, L. M. Isitt, in moving the third reading, contended that no adequate reasons had been advanced in support of the objections to the Bill, and he circulated a list of questions ior members of the Council to answer, asking whether the Bill introduced any new practice into State schools; why it. was feared dissension, strife, anti bloodshed would be caused; what evidence the opponents of the Bill _ had that the public was overwhelmingly with them; and why tho Nelson system would cause less sectarian _ dissension than tho provisions of tho Bill. Sir Robert Stout said the Bill would destroy the education system built up in past years. He asked wby it was proposed to alter tho present system. It could not lie said it was needed because of moral delinquencies, for New Zealand had a good name in that respect. Moral training should be based on the teaching of reverence for truth and mutual kindly feeling. He also declared it was not the function of the State to teach religion. Tho establishment of a State church would not produce greater morality The Hon. E. Newman said he had not met any women who did not favor the Bill The Hon. J. Barr said the Bill tended to the domination of the school by the church. He also replied briefly to Mr Isitt’s questions. The Native viewpoint on the Bill was expressed by the Hon. ■W, Rikihana, who predicted trouble among the Maoris if tho Bill passed, and said he felt sure the supporters of the measure would not help him to pacify them. The Maoris . preferred that tho parents should instruct their children rather than that ho left to the mercies of pchool teachers. The Ngapuhi, his tribe, were troublous _ people, and it would bo difficult to pacify their objections if the Bill became law. Other lengthy speeches were delivered, and the Council adjourned at 10.55 pjn.