WORK OF RATIONALISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20594, 19 June 1930, Page 12

WORK OF RATIONALISTS.

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS SYSTEM.

PLAY APPARATUS IN PARKS

As -it result of lectures given in- tho Majestic Theatre the New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Rationalism collected over £IOOO during tho past year. This information is contained in tho annual report presented at tho annual meeting last ovoniiig.

Referring to Bible-reading in schools the report stntod tliut during the year com plaint was made that'in some cases these wore being given in school hours. The report continued .-—"Complaint and threat, of legal .proceedings were promptly made to the teachers concerned and also to the Minister of Education and Education Board. As a result the board Look firm steps, on tho advice of its solicitors, to insist that religious exorcises should bo given outside school hours and should bo of an. entirely voluntary, nature." "Recently- representations were made to the Auckland City Council relative to tho opening of -play apparatus in parks on Sundays," continued tho report. "This gear at present is . locked on Sundays to prevent children using it. The council refused to alter its practice, although it inconsistently opens its Zoo on Sundays for those who are able to pay tho admission charge. A petition is now bding circulated to secure our end and this will bo presented'to the council by a deputation from tho association."

Tho report was adopted. The following oflic'ers we.ro elected President, Mr. F. A. de la Mare; vicepresidents,' Sir Robort Stout, the Hon. ,T. Macgregor, M.L.C., Professor J. C. Sperrin-Johnson, Mr. , Henry Hay ward, Professor T. A. Hunter, Dr. T. C. Moore, Mr. Patrick O'Deu; secretary, Mr. G. A. Rawsonj oxecutivo, Messrs. Pearco, Chadwick, Stevons, Princo, Way, Boardntan, House and Mosdanies Garlick and Hargreavos. A motion expressing appreciation of tho services of tho retiring president, Mr. Q. E. Major, was carried by acclamation and Mr. Major was appointed tho first pastpresident.