BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Gisborne Times, 13 October 1932, Page 5

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

SIR JAMES ALLEN’S BILL

SPONSORED BT EIGHT CHURCHES

LITERARY AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL,

SECOND READING UNFINISHED

(Press Association '

WELLINGTON, Oct. J2. Iu moving iu the Legislative- Council the second reading of the Religious Instruction in Schools Enabling, Bill, Sir James Allen said the measure was sponsored by eight churches, which l'cpi'esentecl a vast majority of the people in New Zealand. Those people had the right- i© say that tbeir children -should receive religious instruction in schools. Tile altitude of a considerable -section of Roman Catholics towards the Bill had changed ia recent years, as they realised that, the secular education system was a menace not only to the community, but also to tile Catholic religion.. The majority of the Catholic hierarchy was in favor of the measure. The Bill did not eliminate the Nelson system, hut it was maintained that, the Nelson system had failed. In 1920 there were only 20,000 children out of 230,U00 children receiving instruction under tli,. ,»Nclso» system. The Hon. R. Masters: “There are 58,800 to-day.’’ Sir James Alien said there, was a growing desire for public gatherings to Ixe opened by prayer, and surely that principle should be extended to the school. The reading of the Bible was valuable from a literary, as well as an educational point of view, ami there was no doubt that religious leaching was needed to combat the growing materialism.

REAL PLACE FOR INSTRUCTION AT MOTHER'S KNEE

The Hon. ,1. A. Hauan said the Bill aimed the death blow at the secular feature of the educational system. It was the duty 0 f the State to remain neutral in matters of religion. The only fair way on the question as to whether they should retain the secular system of education, was by a referendum. Although touchers who objected to give religious instructions were exempted, there was no doubt that they would be earmarked, and would suffer accordingly. The real place lor religious instruction was at the mother’s knee, because sound religious teaching should be green in a proper atmosphere. If the Bill were passed. H would open Hie way tor 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 the New Zealand soldiers had been a further vindication of Hie success of tin*, system. DISSENSION FEARED The Hon. D. l'rnklo said be was in favor of Hie Bible being read in schools from a literary point of view, but he considered that- religious instruction would breed dissension anion «• people, in the committee stage. lie~wruild move to have the provisions of the Bill narrowed down to provide fur Bibl<> reading only. The debate was adjourned and Hie Council rose.