BIBLE READING

Evening Star, Issue 19918, 14 July 1928, Page 2

BIBLE READING

THIS SESSION'S MOMS NOTICE OF AMENDMENTS [From Ouu Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July, 13. Thfl date for the second reading of the Religious Exercises in Schools Rill, in charge ol the member for Christchurch North, is August 1 The measure got to the committee stage last session, and was dropped as the result of aii amendment inserted by supporters of the Nelson system as an alternative to that proposed in; the Bill. Circumstances arc shaping themselves for a repetition of the previous committee developments, as Mr R. P. Hudson (chairman of the committee which took evidence on the Rill) has given notice that when it reaches the committee stage he will move to insert an amendment that the provisions of , the Act shall not apply to any school unless the controlling authority of that school has 'by resolution determined that it is not practicable or convenient to adopt the system commonly known as the Nelson system, and that unless such a resolution is in force the controlling authority shall arrange lor the conduct of religious exercises in a school in accordance with the Nelson system. ’ The' member for Nelson tabled a question to the Minister of Education to-day suggesting that ho should include in an amendment of the Education Act—which is expected this session—a clause on the linos of the recommendations of. a special committee which-, considered , the Religious Exercises in .Schools Bill last year. This provides that if accredited persons, approved by the Minister, desire to give moral and religious instruction ot a voluntary nature in school buildings the ordinary opening hour of the school shall he postponed or the ordinary closing hour in the afternoon shall he advanced on one day in the week, as agreed upon, for not less than half an hour, to enable this instruction, to bo conveniently given. This is subject to the qualification that the arrangement must not reduce the minimum time devoted to secular instruction below four hours per day.