BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 31 July 1928, Page 5

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

DEBATE THIS WEEK.

ANOTHER TRIAL OF STRENGTH A CONFIDENT OPPOSITION. (By Telegraph—Special to The Star.) AA'ELLINGTON, July 30. This week’s political battle is on the subject of religious exercises in schools, and will commence on AYednesday night, when Air. H. Holland (Christchurch North) will move the second reading of his former measure on the subject, which lias been slightly amended. There is every probability of an all-night sitting, because the Bill’s opponents have not abated their opposition in the slightest. As the result of an amendment in the measure they succeeded last session in getting Hie Bill postponed for six months, "in order that tlie promoters may have an opportunity of considering the application of the Ne!son system as recommended by the Education Committee.” The majority for this delaying amendment was five, the ayes being 36 and the noes 31. if no member lias changed his views in the interim, it looks as if the Bill , in its present lorm cannot get past the Lower House, so that the perils awaiting it in the Legislative Council need not be discussed. Native schools have been omitted from the scope of the Bill, but its opponents confidently count again on the support of four native members. Stonewalling tactics may be expected on the second" reading, and if the Bill gets into the committee stage it has two amenjments awaiting. One, to be moved by Air. 11. Atmore (Nelson), is an amendment to the main Education Act, which would take away from the controlling authorities of the primary schools the power to prevent any duly accredited representative of Christian churches approved by the Minister of Education from giving Bible lessons outside compulsory school hours. The second amendment, promoted by Air. R. J. Hudson (Alotueka), provides for school committees making the choice that the Nelson system shall operate in their schools. Though both amendments come from what may be termed the Nelson school, those who support Mr. Atmore s proposal strongly object to Air. Hudson’s amendment on the ground that it will throw the Bible-in-schools controvery into school committee elections. Roth sets of opponents are against the present Bill unless it can bo changed as they desire. This was made clear to your correspondent by Air. Atmore, who was asked if the amendments made, in this session’s draft of the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill can meet his former objections. • “No.” he replied emphatically. “I stand for the maintenance of the free, secular, and compulsory education, with every opportunity for voluntary instruction under the Nelson system, which has worked successfully for over 30 years in the Nelson district and is , approved by the Auckland branch of the Teachers’ Institute, also by the teachers at Hamilton and Whangarei. The objectionable portions of the old Bill have been retained, consequently I cannot see how any member of the House can vote differently from the wav in which be voted last session.”