BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Northern Advocate, 2 September 1913, Page 3

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

A BIG DEPUTATION

THE PREMIER'S ATTITUDE

WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. A Bible in schools deputation representing various churches and organisations waited on the Premier this morning to urge the passing of legislation this session to enable a referendum to be taken on the question. BishoT) Avorill was among those present. It was argued by the Rev. Mr Garland that the referendum was the only logical course to adopt to settle the question. He pointed to other matters of interest in which the referendum had been chosen to ascertain public feeling. He declared that they were determined to, if possible, keep the question outside politics, to which end they desired to see it settled by direct vote of the people. Bishop Sprott said the present national system of education was best suited for New Zealand provided they could secure the addition of Bible reading. The Church of England had always loyally abided by the national system as against a State-aided denominational system. He contended that religion was an essential part of education, which meant the training and development of the mind and character of the human being. If religion were neglected, it would be impossible for their training to be complete. Dr Glbb said he knew of no question discussed by the Presbyterian Assembly in which greater unanimity of the people in church was illustrated as the desire for the introduction of the Bible in schools, and the granting of the referendum on the subject. He declared he was anxious that the conscientious scruples of everybody should be safeguarded. At present the consciences of Bible advocates were being violated by the continuance of a purely secular system. He argued that it was irrational to sever religion from education when religion was introduced in prisons andmilitary camps, while Parliament itself opened daily with prayer. He was convinced that no peace would be possible in New Zealand utnil the State gave an opportunity for introducing this essential true education.

Rev. uewis (Methodist), Brigadier Gist (Salvation Army), and lay members of various bodies, and Mr Flux, on behalf of a section of the teachers in favour of religious instruction, supported the representations made by previous speakers.

Mr Massey replied that the Government had already decided not to submit any legislation on the subject this session. The decision would not be altered. At the same time he refused to commit the Government either for or against any proposal which might be submitted next session. Personally he was in favour of moral religious teaching in the public schools of this country, but was opposed to anything which might introd-uce sectiari&n difference and" bitterness, or would interfere with our secular system of education. He would like the deputation to submit some form in which it is proposed to place the question before the electors, but before accepting any such suggestion, he would have to be satised that th*e present system would not be imperilled.

Mr Garland promised to submit the form of question, which need only contain provision to enable every child to have the right to be taught the faith of his fathers, the control to be in the hands of the parents. The voting should be only one question, yes or no. As to the Premier's fears regarding sectarianism, he referred him for the best authority on the subject to the four States, Victoria. Queensland, New South Wales, and W. Australia, where the system had been introduced. New Zealand advocates would abide by that opinion.