BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Evening Star, Issue 21232, 13 October 1932, Page 16

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

BILL LAUNCHED IN UPPER HOUSE [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, October 12. Moving the second reading of the Religious Instruction in Schools Enabling Bill in the Legislative Council, Sir James Alien said the measure was sponsored by eight churches which represented the vast majority of the people ot New Zealand. These people had a right to say whether their children should receive religious instruction in schools. The attitude of a considerable section of Roman Catholics towards the Bill had changed in recent years, as they realised that a secular education system was a menace not only to the community but also to the Homan Catholic religion. A majority of the Roman Catholic hierarchy was in favour of the measure. The-Bill did not eliminate I lie Nelson system, hut it was maintained that the Nelson system had failed. In 1920 there were only 20,000 children out of 2J0,000 who were receiving instruction under the Nelson system. Air Masters; There are 58,800 to-day. Sir James Allen said there was a growing desire for public gatherings to bo opened by prayer, and surely that principle should lie extended to the schools. The reading of the Bible was valuable from a literary as well as an educational point of view', and there was no doubt that religions teaching was needed to combat the growing materialism. Hon, J. A .H-anan said the Bill aimed a death-blow' tit the secular feature of the educational system. It was the duty of the State to remain neutral in matters of religion. The only fair way in which the question whether they should retain the present secular system of education could be salved was by a referendum. Although teachers who objected to give religious instruction were exempted, there was no doubt they would be earmarked and would suffer accordingly. The real place for religious instruction was at the mother’s knee, because sound religious teaching should he given in the proper atmosphere. If the Bill were passed it would open the way for grants to private schools of all denominations, and the promoters of the Bill should contemplate the consequences of their actions. New Zealand children trained under the secular system were equal in intelligence and moral character to any other children in the world, and the conduct of our soldiers had been a further vindication of the success of the system ,r Hon, D. Btuhlo said he was in favour of the Bible being read in schools from a literary point of view, hut he considered that religious instruction would breed dissension amongst the people. In fho committee stage he would move to have the provisions of the Bill narrowed down to provide for Bible reading only. The debate was adjourned.