RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1937, Page 3

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

Request For Teaching government cautious. [Per Press Association!. WELLINGTON, September 15. A large deputation from the New Zealand Bible in Schools League waited on the Prime Minister and Minister for Education, requesting religious instruction in the State Schools. Rev J Thompson Macky, the principal speaker for the deputation, that nothing should be done to interfere with the splendid work o. Bible instruction being given in some districts under the present Act. The Minister of Education (Mi Fraser) assured the deputation that its representations would receive every possible consideration from the Government. He felt that the intention of Parliament was not being observed by means adopted to introduce religious exercises in various parts of the country. He stated that, before the Bill was passed through the House, the League would be consulted. but the question of religious exorcises had not yet been discussed by the Government. Nothing would be done by the Government to show any disrespect for religious opinion, but they would recognise for the time being that he was the people’s trustee for the education system. He would look at the matter in a broad-minded, tolerant way, but could not see any half-way stopping place. “While opinion is divided in Parliament on the question of religious instruction in schools, it would be madness for the Government to introduce legislation amending the Education Act. in that direction while other important social legislation is waiting to be passed,” said the Prime Minister. Such legislation could only be forced through bj' using the closure, and he would never use it for that purpose.

Mr Savage pointed out that the, Bible-in-Schools was one thing Parliament had never agreed upon. Even the denominations themselves were not united on Bible reading in schools. He told them frankly that, in his opinion, it would be a mistake for the Government to decide in favour of any substantial measure of religious teaching in the State Schools. They had the Nelson system now. “My final word to you is this,” said Mr Savage. “Your representations will be placed before Cabinet, which will have to decide whether legislation will he introduced to give effect to your wishes, but my personal opinion is that it would not help you or help us, if we tried to sledge-hammer Ibis thing through the House of Representatives, because that is what it would come to.’’