BIBLE IN THE HOUSE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 18 July 1924, Page 4

BIBLE IN THE HOUSE

MR MASSEY AND VARIOUS MEMBERS

SOME QUICK RETORTS

From our Parliamentary Correspondent

WELLINGTON, This Day. “There is .no question about it that tlie literature in the Jiible is the most magnificent literature in the English language,” remarked the Prime .Minister in tiie House last night when discussing Mr Isitt's Religious Exercises in Schools Bill. “There is no question about that. It cannot be denied.” Mr Massey then entered into a little discussion with members on various phases of Biblical history, and is seemed as if the honours rested with him. He said that the Bible contained a number of prophecies which had been fulfilled and there were others which had not yet been fulfilled, but which lie believed would be. The Bible ought to be of particular interest to legislators because it was partly legislative. Mr Fraser —“Splendid land laws.” "The basis of the freehold system is

set forth there,” replied Mr Massey amidst much laughter. A Labour member—“ You have read it upside down.’ The Prime Minister explained his readiness to supply the authority for his statement.

Mr Sullivan: “What about the (livid mg up?” Mr Fraser: “Neliemiah was the great est land reformer.”

Mr Massey: “No, what about Moses?” Mr Hawaii: “He was a leaseholder.” “Tlie honourable gentleman is thinking of Joseph his namesake.” retorted Lho Prime Minister (laughter). “It is provided clearly in the laws of Moses that the land is not to be parted with by the families into whose possession it came for the first time for fifty years.” Labour members: “Is this in the Bill?”

Mr Massey: “No, but I am trying to teach the honourable gentlemen and it is hard to make them understand.” (Laughter). A member raised the question cf usurers. Mr Massey: The Bible denounces the userer in no unmeasured terms. Mr Fraser: “Joseph had the first wheat pool.” Mr Massey: “And he parted with his wheat, but he took the lands of the people of Egypt in exchange therefore. He was the first land nationaliser and the first leaseholder, and Egypt has not recovered from it to this day. (Loud laughter). ' The Prime Minister added that tlie Bible ought to be of tremendous interest. to legislators, because the whole cede of British laws was founded on the laws of Moses. Mr Fraser: “He was the first great strike leader.” Mr Massev: “He led the people of Israel and led them very successfully, I believe,” remarked the Prime Minister. In conclusion, he said, “The Bible was giveh to humanity to he a light unto our feet and a lamp‘unto our path, a guide for us in this life and a direction for the world to come.” The more the people learned about the Bible the better it would be for them and the better for the nation.