BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 13 October 1932, Page 8

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

DEBATE ffiiE NELSON SYSTEM PROSPECTS' OF BILL BEING PASSED (From “The Mail’s” . Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON. 12th October. The Religious Instruction in Schools Enabling Bill came before the Legislative Council to-day for its second reading. It is possible that the debate will be fairly protracted. In moving in the Legislative Council this Afternoon the second reading of the Bill, the Hon. Sir James Allen said it was sponsored by eight- churches which represented the vast majority of the people of the Dominion. These people had a right to say that their children should be instructed in religion. The measure was similar to the one introduced in the House last year, and allowed parents the right to have their children brought up under the secular svstem.

Sir James said that the attitude of a considerable section of the Roman Catholics had changed in recent years. They realised that there was a danger under the secular system of the children growing up as a menace to the community and a menace to the Catholic religion. In 1930 the whole of the Catholic Hierarchy signified its approval of the Bill, but last year some of the Hierarchy wrote to a committee of the House signifying their disapproval of the measure. However, Archbishop O’Shea still affirmed its principle. The Bill provided foj; religious observances for two' hours a w'eek, which was only half of the average time ,in England. Sir, James quoted the methods fob lowed in other countries, and claimed that New Zealand was lagging behind in regard to religious instruction in schools. Provision was made in the Bill to continue the Nelson system, but the Nelson system alone was unsatis T factory. It had failed in the past, and was failing to-day. In 1920 the Minister of Education had stated that not 20,000 children out of 230,000 were benefiting from the Nelson system* The Minister of Education (the Hon. R-. Masters): There are 58,800 to-day.

The Hon. J. A. Hanan said the Bill aimed a death-blow at the secular feature of the educational system. It was the duty of the State to remain neutral in matters of religion. The only fair way to decide the question whether they should retain a secular system of education was by referendum. Although teachers who objected to give religious instruction were exempted, there was no doubt they would be earmarked and suffer accordingly. The real place for religious instruction was at the mothers’ knee, because sound religious teaching should be given in a proper atmosphere. If the Bill were passed it would open a way for grants to private schools of all denominations and the promotors of the Bill should contemplate the consequences of their actions. New Zealand children trained under a secular system were equal in intelligence and moral character to any other children in the world and the conduct of the soldiers had been a further vindication of the success of the system.

The Hon. D. Buddo (Canterbury) said he was in favour of the Bible being read in schools from a literary point of view, but considered religious instruction would breed dissension amongst the people. In the committee stage he would move to have the provisions of the Bill narrowed down to provide for Bible reading only. The debate was adjourned and the Council rose at 4.30 p.m. '

It is gathered in the lobbies that the prospects of the Bill receiving its second reading and finally passing the Council are very bright. It is stated tbat. there is a- possibility of the second reading being carried by three or four votes.