THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. The Premier's Definite Answer.

Free Lance, Volume VIII, Issue 383, 2 November 1907, Page 6

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. The Premier's Definite Answer.

THE Bible-m-Schools deputation seems to be a perennial growth, but its appearance at the Parliamentary garden of wisdom this week was marked by a very pronounced change. There was ai absence of the accustomed clencal xepresentation The countiy will be curious to know the wherefore of this non-appearance. It i 9 not to be asumed that the clergy are relaxing their efforts or interest in the propagation of Biblical truth, but it may be surmised that, as a reasoning class, they are beginning to see the futility of pushing the battle to the gate against strong public feeling m this matter further it is possible that they lealise the scope that they have at present for visiting the public schools at certain stated hours for the imparting of religious teaching to those children whose parents desire them to receive their instruction * • One feature of the deputation this year will have more than passmff significance with the community It is the fact that the Premier had to fill the double role of peacemakei between the two distinct factions who waited on him, and of presenting the Government s mind on the question To find the deputation on such an important question at variance amongst themselves was an unwelcome novelty, and one which could only have a disastrous effect on the minds of the people of the Dominion A difference of opinion that looked like developing into a wrangle suggests the old-time question "If they do these things m the green tree, what will be done in the dry?" ♦ * * The plea to admit the Bible into the schools as a classic is as old as the agitation itself. But the people of New Zealand, who are the only possible court of appeal m this matter, are not likely to be gulled into the belief that the Bible is going to remain a success either as a classical, geographical, or historical text-book as suggested by the deputation The difficulties would begin, and not end, there The experiences of English schools point definitely to the fact that the price of peace and success m national education is m preserving the purely secular methods. • • • New Zealand is to be congratulated on the firm and frank attitude of Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon Geo. Fowlds in their reply to the deputation. The members of the Bible-in-Schools League asked for a definite reply. It was given. Sir Joseph Ward promptly and properly stated that the Government as a Government did not favour the change, and it did not intend of its own will to introduce the change of legislation The Premier then referred the deputation to the real masters of the situation — the people

of the* Dominion. When Sir Joseph said "Go to the people, and let them give an indication of a desire to change the present system if they wish it 1 " he expresed to the letter the sentiments of New Zealand on this vexed question