BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 61, 13 March 1911, Page 2

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

'' (Special to Exfkess.) , CHRLSTCHURCH, March 10. At the statutory meeting of householders in the East Christehurch school district last April the eandi- i dates, for seats on the School Com- | mittee were asked if they were in | favor of Scriptural teaching in the | State schools, and in; nearly every , case the answer was in the affirma- ; tive. In a circular issued recently to parents the School Committee elected stated that they had made the, fullest inquiries as to the best. means of putting that answer into' practical form, and therefore wished to know how many children were likely to attend the proposed classes. They^ therefore enclosed a form to be signed by the parents, the alternatives to be selected from being: "I wish my child to attend .the Bible lessons -which are given at your, school," or "I don't wish my child to attend the Bible lessons which are given at your school." The circular also indicated that the, Committee wished it clearly understood that the instruction would be imparted from 3:30 until 4 p.m. every Friday, and would be conducted by ministers of religion. A total of 1200 circulars were sent out, and the answers in favor of the lessons numbered 913. The School Committee thereupon , wrote to the clergymen of , Christchurch inviting them to meet the Committee and discuss the matter. This meeting was held in the school last night, and was attended by many of the clergymen of the city, ' Bishoj; Julius said that he was delighted to know that the Committee had given the opportunity to the clergy to enter on the work, "ana It would^ be a disgrace if theyjdid not avail themselves of it.

the Rev. W. J. L. Gloss, while in sympathy with the idea of the Oonimijttee, thought the question bristled with difficulties. He preferred Monday as .the day for the lessons since Friday was regarded by the children as the time for play: after a week's work, and half an hour extra weuld be looked on as an imposition. Another difficulty was the number of teachers required. The Rev. Dr. Erwin said that he took part in the trial of Bible lessons at the NonAl School. The conditions thore^vere different, as the parents were not consulted. The staff was not in sympathy with the scheme, and the children Avere dismissed at the usual hour and could stay for the lessons or not, just as they liked.

The Rev. F. Redgrave inquired whether it was intended that an Anglican minister should teach the Anglican children and that a Presbyterian should teach the Presbyterian children, and so on. The Chairman replied emphatically that that would not be so. The minister would be there simply as a minister of Christ. There would be no denominationalisKi.

Mr Maxwell, first assistant, said that if there were any breaches of discipline the school teachers would deal with them. A teacher would not be in the room at the time, but they were prepared to exercise a general supervision.

Miss Menzies, head-mistress of East = Christchurch infant school, thought there would be a difficulty in complying with the Act.

The Rev. W. J. L.' Clpss asked if it was necessary that ministers should take the classes? would it be sufficient if they got representatives in

whom th& Committee could have faith?

The Chairman replied that that would satisfy the Committee. After further discussion the meeting adjourned so as to allow the ministers to confer. and decide on a time for the lessons, the system to be followed, and the division of the work.