BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15748, 24 October 1914, Page 5

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

I CANON GARLAND'S EVIDENCE. [BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] • ■ Wellington, Friday. The Education Committee..of the- House, which is hearing evidence, concerning the Bible in Schools Referendum Bill, to-day heard Canon Garland under cross-examina-tion. He said it was impossible -to make a short reply to the question as to the comparative morality'of Victoria and New South Wales,'but' he thought the convict settlement at Botany Bay had left.a state, of affairs of which it felt the, effect, to-day. There should be formal recognition of religious teaching without compulsion upon children. He did not regard , : the': Nelson system as enabling them to give the same religious instruction as was given-in New South Wales. , \ . A great deal of time was occupied with questions upon circulars and correspondence. C B^oll Garland did' riot assume that those who opposed" the Bible in schools were pagan..' The .system" proposed had two parts, the right of entry % ministers and instruction by teachers. Catechism, creed, and dogma could be taught ■ under the right of entry instruction. The State would not pay for this instruction. The right of entry would be given •„• all denominations. He could not say what the State would do to compel teachers to give instruction if there was a regulation -providing for religious instruction. 7fr '"