BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 29 September 1927, Page 8

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

EVIDENCE BEFORE EDUCATION

COMMITTEES

Wellington, Sept. 28. The Education Committee of the House of Representatives heard further evidence again to-day. Mr Atkinson, on behalf of the petitioners, asked for an adjournment on the ground that they had a definite assurance from the Prime Minister that the request that the petitioners should go before the committee with power to make recommendations and takes notes of the proceedings was reasonable. The Minister of Education said that unfortunately the matter had not been attended to, but, at the same time, he saw no good in adjourning. Mr R. P. Hudson, chairman, agreed. Witnesses need not give evidence if they did not wish.

Evidence was then given by Pastor Harvey, of the Seventh Day Advontists against Mr Holland’s Bill, and Mr Parkinson, secretary of the Educational Institute, .submitted a lengthy statement on its behalf, also opposing the Bible in schools. Last year the institute had voted against it by 57 to 19. Mr Holland said he had a lot of letters from teachers approving the Bill, and Mr Parkinson agreed there were a lot who supported it. Mr T. Forsyth pointed out that there were 5000 teachers and only 70 delegates, and asked if the votes of the latter could be said to represent the view of the teachers. Mr Parkinson said they represented the general opinions. The committee adjourned until the next day.