EVOLUTION IN SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20256, 16 May 1929, Page 9

EVOLUTION IN SCHOOLS.

OBJECTION BY COMMITTEE. . BRIEF DISCUSSION BY BOARD. "A teacher should be permitted to get at the truth, and there should he no attempt to restrict the reference books made available by the Education Department," said Mr. J. Boddie, at a meeting of the Auckland Education Board yesterday, when members raised the question of the teaching of evolution in schools. The board showed little desire to enter into discussion on the subject, and the matter was allowed to drop without any action being taken. A letter was received from the Kereono (Morrinsville) school committee expressing strong disapproval of the introduction of any such teaching. When Mr. G. Brownlee rose to speak he was advised by Mr. E. C. Banks '"to leave it alone." Mr. Brownlee said ho did not think it wise that the bosks recommended by the department should, be placed in the hands of young people. Some discretion was required in selecting the right authorities. He objected in particular to a certain publication, arkl suggested that education boards should discuss the matter in conference. Mr. T. U. Wells said the book mentioned was not intended for perusal by the pupils, but was listed for teachers for reference. It had not been expressly chosen by the Syllabus Revision Committee which sat last year, but it had evidently been chosen ,later by some official in the department. . The Chairman, Mr. A. Burns: A conference as suggested would occupy two days discussing a subject such as this. I understand the churches have taken the matter up. Mr. H. S. W. King: Some of them. Mr. Boddie said he would strongly object to the board making any pronouncement designating which books were to bo read. "1 am a very great reader, and in my reading and my experience I am constantly striving to get at the truth," ho said. "Before teachers are asked to occupy positions they have had the opportunity of reading and forming their own ideas on subjects. Wo may depend upon them to arrive at the truth, and I would deprecate any action which would baulk them in this respect.'* OPPOSITION IN HAMILTON. RESOLUTION OF PROTEST. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] HAMILTON, "Wednesday. At a largely-attended meeting in the Town Hall, Hamilton, last evening, vigorous addresses were doliveied by tl.o Rev. Dr. H. N. McLean, of arid the Rev. A. A. Murray and Dr. A\. IL Pettit, of Auckland, m opposition to tho proposal to teach evolution in the schools. At tho conclusion, Mr. K Coop moved, and the Rev. P. 13. Eraser seconded, "That this meeting enters its most vigorous protest against the teaching of evolution being introduced into our public schools, and calls upon the Government to put a stop to it at once. The motion was carried without dissent. Dr. Pettit suggested that a meeting should bo called in Hamilton for the discussion of tho question, aud ths meeting approved of this course. .