BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 90, 14 March 1935, Page 2

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

SUPPORT FOR BILL. SCHOOL COMMITTEES’ DECISION. Deferred from the preceding meeting ponding circulation of copies of the legislative measure, the discussion on the Bible in Schools Enabling Bill ivas resumed at the quarterly meeting of the Manawatu-Oroua School Committees’ Association in Palmerston North, last evening, when it was decided to support the Bill. The subject was brought up by the hon. secretary (Mr W. E. Cooper), who moved that the association give its support to the Bill. From what he had learned, said the secretary, the implications of the measure did not appear to be understood. No teacher was asked to give instruction, except voluntarily, parents could object, and a denomination as a whole could be exempted if that wish was expressed. It was nothing more or less than the Nelson system, with some safeguards. Provision was made for the appointment of a committee, fully representative, to prepare a syllabus for religious instruction. Teachers undertaking the work must first be approved. Had the Bill been entitled the Religious Instruction Safeguarding Bill, it would have been better named. It was obvious from the activities already undertaken, that few parents objected. Mr J. W. Batchelar (Waituna) stated that a group of schools in his district, including Cheltenham and Tapnae, had decided to support the Bill though his own school opposed it. Mr AV. Salt (Awahuri) said .he had been instructed to oppose the Bill, as the school curriculum was already overcrowded. Furthermore, it was considered the State should take no active part in exercising religious instruction. Mr E. A. Rowe (Waitohi) said it was essential for children to receive religious grounding, on optional lines, at the right age. The chairman (Mr AA 7 . G. Black) commented that at a post a L poll taken some time ago 28 school committees cast 157 votes, of which 101 were for an optional Bible in schools system, 17 for a compulsory system and 39 against it. It was stated that the AA T hakarongo School was opposed to the Bill. Mr A. Penketh (AA’est End) commented that religion was a question for the individual mind, and the school committees could concern themselves with the more material aspects of children’s education. Air AA 7 . H. Cadwallader stated that the Central School Committee had decided for several reasons to support the Bill, and it was considered there was no real merit in the objections. Letters were stated to have been received from both the Ruahine and Karewarewa Schools opposing the Bill. . Air J. J. Hume (Te Arakura) intimated that his committee had previously voted against the Bill, hut could'not now express a definite opinion. On the suggestion of Air J. A. Grant (Russell Street) the issue was put to the vote and carried by 12 votes to 8. opinions expressed in correspondence not being dealt with, as those schools had tlio opportunity of appointing proxies had they so desired. Jhe poll taken of school committees represented at the meeting was as follows : In favour of the Bill—Cheltenham, AVaitohi, Polianeina, Ivopane. Rangiotu, Apiti, Newbury, Hokowliitu, Oroua Downs, Tapuae, Beaconsfield, Central. , , Against. —■'Waituna AA’est, AAhakarongo, Awahuri, Glen Oroua, Ashhurst, Alilson. Sanson, Russell Street. No decision.* —West End, Te Arakura.