BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20598, 24 June 1930, Page 10

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

STEPS TOWARD AGREEMENT.

CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS.

QUESTION OF LEGISLATION.

[BY TELEOBAPn.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHUKCH, Monday.

Provided that details are completed at a conference next week between representatives of tho Roman Catholic Church and the Bible in Schools League, tho Roman Catholics in Now Zealand aro expected to withdraw their objections to legislation providing for systematic religious instruction in State schools. Negotiations between the two parties have been proceeding for some time, and the progress made suggests that a settlement may bo possible. Tho Roman Catholic attitude, it is understood, is not antagonistic to Protestant children in tho Stato schools being given religious instruction, provided tho Protestants make themselves responsible for it. It is expected that any legislation on tho matter will contain such a provision.

Mr. IL Holland, M.P., said to-day that he did not think a bill dealing with tho subject would come before Parliament this session. It would be of littlo use at tho present stage, for there were about 50 members from the different political parties opposed to the measure. However, if the Roman Catholics were going to bo generous enough to modify or withdraw their objections, a bill might prove more acceptable to the House.