RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

Evening Star, Issue 22975, 4 June 1938, Page 13

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

MOVEMENT IN SCHOOLS TEACHERS VETO ANY CHANGE The vexed question of the holding of daily religious exercises in 'primary schools was debated at the annual meeting yesterday of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Educational institute, and after discussion that resulted in a wide expression of opinion, an amendment was adopted to the effect that this form of instruction should not bo changed. The motion was that a postal ballot to test the individual views of the teachers should be taken The chairman (Mr N. Matheson) introduced the subject by saying that the National Executive required from the branches some idea of their members’ attitude towards devotional exercises in schools. The branch’s committee did not feel inclined to take any action, but as the executive had asked three times for a motion it was decided to introduce the question at the annual meeting. His own opinion was that the question was too personal a one to bo discussed in open meeting. It was a vital question for many people, but he did not think that religion was a subject for public discussion. Therefore lie would move that a postal ballot be taken among members to find out whether they were in favour or not of devotional exercises in schools. Mr J. W. Armstrong seconded the motion. “ A nation may rise or fall by its moral code,” said Mr A. M. Davidson, “ and that is why there is need for; devotional exercises in schools. In bringing in this moral code there need not bo religious instruction, but there should be moral instruction. There are passages in the New Testament that are not controversial, and I think a conference of all churches should be held, when a text book of suitable passages could be drawn up. There are many beautiful passages in the Bible that should be published in the School Journal,” he added. He moved the following amendment That this meeting realises the importance or moral instruction in the spiritual life of the child, and suggests that a conference of members of all churches and representatives of the teaching profession be held to draw up a suitable text book, 'the matter in which is acceptable to all those of the Christian faith.” . , The Chairman pointed out that ne could not accept the amendment, but asked Mr Davidson to submit it as a notice of motion later in the meeting. Mr J. Ironside moved, as an amendment—” That this annual meeting ot the Otago branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute ia of the opinion that the opportunity afforded by toe boards, with the concurrence of tne school committees, to conduct devotional exercises in, schools . tor five minutes before the dail.y opening should not be interfered with.” Mr A Fa mint seconded the amendment. which was carried by a substantial majority.