BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 19 October 1914, Page 7

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

EVIDENCE BEFORE EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

BY TELEGRAPH-—PKESS ASSOCIATION

WELLINGTON, Oct. 19. j The Education Committee continued the hearing of evidence this morning against the Religious Instruction - in Schools Bill, when the cross-examina-tion of the Rev. D. C. Bates was coni eluded.

cS e,PPr«,* r«, a< S* Cook said the Methodist Chiu-eh Supported the platform of the League as thfs result Of long experience. The Australian 63*tem had given general satisfaction wherever tried, and difficulties had not arisen through the right of entry or from teachers, and proselytism was unknown. There had been hostility from the Catholic Hierarchy, but no serious attempt had been made to alter the system, lhe lessons did not cause sectarian strife, and did not disturb denominational loyalty among minors. He had been a pupil under the New South Wales system, and had derived great benefit Small denominations did not suiter from the system. Teachers arid inspectors in New South Wales were confident, and many were- enthusiastic concerning the moral value Of the-les-' sons. It was apparent .that at least /000 ■ children in New Zealand wereoutside the Sunday school, and a large proportion of the remainder were-ir-regularly instructed. For those'reasons all in favor of Sunday school w'orlc ■ should, be heart and soul with the-ef-fort to bring Bible teaching into State schools.