BIBLE-IN- SCHOOLS QUESTION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3712, 23 December 1912, Page 5

BIBLE-IN- SCHOOLS QUESTION

CTO THE EDITOB.I Sir, —I am wondering why. all this furore about a clergyman's visit. Personally I am off entertaining religious representatives, Catholics as well as Protestantes. The phenomenon always means either a lecture or a cheque and it is all a “bally have.” I have some kiddies of my own, half Catholics and half Protestants. I keep the balance by being nothing. I am ratheg in (favor of having the Bible in the Schools (no Prayer Book) and read by the teachers. I know the teachers, some of them, and they are fine fellows. With the exception of that Te Rau chap, I would sooner see a teacher any day than either a priest or a parson, or even a Salvation lassie. If the Bible could be put into the schools it would save me a lot of worry and give me more time to spend in devising ways and means of supporting the different denominations, and, being doubly-burdened as I am, that’ is a serious consideration. Another reason why I would support the Bible in the schools is that- I don’t want my children tied up like I am.. I don’tMhink they could stand it. I know you are a jolly fellow and won’t mind my ventilating my feelings a little. It does me good, you know. Yes, the more I think of it the more lam in love with the idea. I’ll chuck the parson and the priest and I’ll give the poor old Bible a show. I want to escape Hell and I don’t want to drive my kiddies there. Give my love to tlie Bible teachers in tlie schools, and tell them I am not forgetful of their kindness to my kiddies. I am off now to wish “His Nibs” a “Merry Christmas.” No one else ever thinks of him! * ‘POCCA PHOTOPL ASAI. ”

A SPORJ'S CONTRADICTION. CTO THE EDITOR. 1 Sir, —I beg to encroach upon your space in order that I may openly contradict a report that is non* being circulated about, to the effect that many of the members and the public in general are withdrawing their patronage from the Tiniroto Sports Club, and conveying it to the Maori Sports Club meeting advertised to take place at Tekewja. Probably it is a class of tactics adopted to do a certain amount of injury to the interests of the Tiniroto Club mnee the latter ignored the proposal to spend a large sum of money on the Te Reinga grounds for which no returns were forthcoming, and making a very nice New Year present to the Maoris. As I have of late been asked by many persons interested in the Tiniroto Club whether it is losing public support- according to the circulation of the above report, I take this opportunity of saying that my Club has not suffered the loss of a single penny and, as a-matter of fact, nasi, with its adoption of Ruakituri. grounds, gained a very large amount of support in the way of members and donations. I wish to make it perfectly clear to‘the public that although the Maori Sports meeting has taken the first Saturday of the New Year, the day usually chosen by the Tiniroto Club, it must be distinctly understood that we are in no way connected with the organisation of the Maori meeting. f nie Tiniroto Club, as will he noticed by its standing advertisement, will hold"its annual meeting on Ruakituri station grounds (a quarter of an hour’s drive from the Te Reinga Falls') on January 11, 1913. In conclusion I may state that the Club stands at present in a very secure position and, as it has been, freely admitted by the outside public that we stand as probably the largest horse snorts club anywhere in the Poverty Bay or the TVairoa district, with past performances as a proof, and present indications are now gfting to prove, that ouiforthcoming meeting will be the largest and most successful ever held by the Club. Thanking you for space,— I am, etc., G. J. SMALL. Secretary.