BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16549, 13 May 1914, Page 14

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

OPPOSED AT BEALEY FLAT. A meeting of workers at Bealey Flat was held in the sc'noolroo-in on Sunday evening, to discuss the Bible in schools question. Air J. Armstrong presided over a large .attendance. The speakers were AlesSrs J. Adams and T. A. Fletcher, members oi' tho executive of the National Schools Defence League. Air Adams outlined the Bible in Schools League’s proposals as set out on its cards, and dealt with tho system in the Australian States where this scheme was in vogue. He quoted authorities and statistics to show that the scheme had been a failure in New South Wales. Air Fletcher made a vigorous defence of the present fair, free, national and secular system of education. After questions had boon answered, Air Rogers moved, and Air Minchin seconded, tho following resolution, which was carried almost unanimously:—“That this meeting, while recognising the value of the Bible and religion, is heartily opposed to the platform of the Bible in Schools League, in that it is a menace to our present national system ot education, which has conferred great benefits on tho people ol New Zealand, and the meeting requests the Government to refrain from granting a referendum on this matter, which concerns the conscience of both teachers and dissenting parents.’’