BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 23 October 1914, Page 7

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

WELLINGTON,. Oct. 23. The Education Committee continued taking evidence upon tha Bible in Schools question. . Canon Garland was further cross-examined by Professoi* Hunter. He said it was impossible to make a reply to a question as to the comparative morality of Victoria and New South Wales, biit thought the convict settlement at Botany Bay had left a state of affaivs of which the State felt the effects to-day. There sho\ild be foimnl recognition of-religious teaching -withoni compulsion upon children. He-*did not regard the Nelson system as enabling" them to give religious instruction as in New South Wales. In reply to Mr Caugkley, be said that they relied largely upon Australian evidence in support of their proposals. He accepted the statement of the Director of Education in Tasmania that the system there was. a. happy solution of difficulties, but did not know that the Roman Catholic Bishop of Tasmania had repudiated this statement. A great'deal of time was occupied in questions upon •circulars and correspondence'. Canon Garland said he did : not assume that those who opposed the Bible in Schools were pagans. The system proposed had two parts, the right of entry by ministers and instruction : by" teachers. Catechism creed and dogma could be taught under the right of entry and instruction. The State would not pay for this instruction and right of entry would be given to all denominations. He could not say what the State would do to compel teachers to give instruction if it passed a regulation providing for religious instruction.