ENROLLED SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

Northern Advocate, 11 August 1919, Page 4

ENROLLED SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

' A bold campaign of religious education is urged on the churches by Dr. Foster Watson, (formerly fProfessor of Education a,t Aberystwytlh, in "The Hibbert Journal."- He quotes*with approval a, suggestion that in the new continuation schools every effort should be made to give sound and enlightened reiigknis teaching , by well-equipped voluntary teachers. But he is still more concerned that the churches should ennoble tiheir Sunday schools —turn them in fact into ihigther institutions more like colleges. There is more need than ever, he urges, that the Bible in the light of historical and critical knowledge should be made a central element in national education. Professor Watson wcnild have the Ohurdh take up again seriously its teaching, as distinct from its preaching function, find every large churctti' transform itself into a "cathedral" with, a staff of teachers or lecturers, either permanent or occasional, on the level of university extension lecturers in the ordinary academic subjects —to be brought into touch ultimately with the local universities.

Journalists in Wellington have made attempts' to draw the political leaders regarding , the future position of the parties, but the response has been poor. It seems, however, certain that the Coalition will be maintained until tihe meeting of Parliament. Sir Joseph Ward, went to Christchurch on Friday night, and returns on Wednesday to resume Ministerial work. The Prime Minister has started office business. His prpposed consultation with members of the Reform Party is to be postponed until the opening of the session, owing to the difficulty of communication.