BIBLE IN STATE SCHOOLS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9742, 6 March 1914, Page 5

BIBLE IN STATE SCHOOLS.

DISCUSSION AT METHODIST CONFERENCE.

LEAGUES PLATFORM UPHELD

(Ry Telegraph.) (By Oub Special Reporter.)

DUNEDIN. March 5. Special interest is attached to tonight session of the Methodist Conference, a.s a portion of the time was set down lor discussion on the Bible-in-Schools question.

Rev. C. Laws introduced the discussion by stating that the committee to winch the matter had boon referred had tabled the following resolution: "That this conference affirms its adherence to the platform and objects of the Bible in State Schools League and congratulates the League on the success which has attended its efforts during the past year a:ul urges the Government to pass the necessary legislation to enable the people of the Dominion to express their will concerning this important Question at the next general election."

Mr Laws also explained that i\w conference in a previous session had decided that discussion on tke matter should be limited to half an hour. This aroused opposition in some quarters and' over half an hour was spent in an endeavour to decide the limit of the debate. It was pointed out by some 1 members that half an hour did not allow of free and full discussion, and it was urged that if that limit were adhered to then the conference .should simply reaffirm the resolution carried by it last year in favour of the League's platform for a referendum. After various suggestions had been rejected it was formally decided that the mover of the resolution should have ten minutes, the mover of an amendment five and the mover of the resolution five minutes for bis reply, the remaining ten minutes to be used by other speakers. Rev. J. J. Lewis (Wellington) moved the resolution, which had been tabled by the committee in a thoughtful and eloquent speech. It was inconceivable, he said, that any Methodist Conference should reject such a resolution. Tho referendum in Queensland had shown a majority of 17,000 in favour of tho Bible in schools, the voting being 74,208 for and 56.671 against. With regard to tho question whether tho scheme was workable, the speaker said their conference had appointed a committee to gather evidence on the matter. Some of the committee bad been hostile, but by sheer force of evidence they had been brought round to their way ol thinking. (Applause). Up to December last 130,000 electors of Sew .Zealand had signed cards in favour of the leagues plai form. Mr J. A. Fleshor seconded tho motion. The following amendment was then moved by Rev. J. W. Burton: •Thai, llu's conference regards the proposed referendum on the Bible in Schools question in its present form as distinctly unfair in that it disfranchises so many members of the community v. ho, while agreeing with the first section of the proposal, which aims at the introduction of the Bible into our State schools, cannot conscientiously vote for fhe second section, which seeks to introduce an odious form of sectarian instruction to our children." The mover said ho objected to the. referendum proposals because it meant disfranchisement of many, as they could not vote "yes"' or "no" on a straightout issue. He did not believe any intelligent House of Parliament would allow such a refcrenenduin to go before the people. Ho was just as keen on the introduction of the Bible into the schools a& Mr Lewis, bui thov did not want to see the strife of the Old Land. Children should be taught not to think on denominational lines, but in a great Christian manner.

Rev. A. J. Seane* spoke briefly in support oi 'ho amendment.

Rev. C. K. Laws spoki in favour of the motion, as also did R 'v. \\\ Sl;i<i- .

Mr Levv.s replied in a rapid five minutes' speech and the vote was then taken. On the amendment being put, it was defeated by 86 votes to 1.0 aid the motion was carried by -'•"» votes to 14.