Teachers Confer

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 167, 16 July 1937, Page 2

Teachers Confer

MEETING OF N.Z.E.I A meeting of the Pahiatua-Bush branch of the N.Z.E.I. was held at the Pahiatua District High School ou Saturday morning, the meeting being very well attended, and presided over by Miss C. M. Wilson, president of the branch. One' object of the meeting was to receive the delegate’s report on the annual meeting heid in Wellington m May. As the delegate, Mr. A. P. L. Kennedy, had left the district, his report was read. A resolution was passed to the effect that a letter be sent to Mr. Kennedy in appreciation of I his carefully-prepared report and of his services to the branch. j Other business included the consideration of a circular from the N.Z.E.I. regarding the extension of the Nelson system by the proposed introduction of daily religious exercises to schools.

Arguments pointed clearly to the fact that members supported the Nelson system, but regretted that it had not been given its full scope. Many pupils who could now be receiving half-an-hour per week religious instruction under the Nelson system were being denied the lessons by the apathy of the Biblo-in-Schools Leaguo and its supporters. Exception was taken to tho insinuation by the Press of opposition to Bible-in-Schools on the part of the teachers. The majority of teachers were keen adherents of the church, many being actually engaged in church work. Opposition to extension of the Nelson system was taken partly in the hope that this system as it stands be: (1) Taken more regularly and with more preparation than is now being done in some areas; (2) that it bo introduced in schools in which it docs not now operate. The motion was put to the meeting:

“That the members of tho PahiatuaBush branch abide by tho policy of tho N.Z.E.I. in regard to the extension of religious exercises in schools.” A vote was taken by a show of hands, the result being unanimous in favour of the motion.