BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4951, 29 April 1903, Page 3

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

SCGGESTED TEXT LOOK. COLONIAL CONFERENCE. Tho delegates appointed by the Protestant churches of the colony to compiile or suggest a Lexl-hook for religious instruction in the State schools ot tho colony met in conference at St John's schoolroom yesterday afternoon. The following delegates were appointed by the different bodies. Presbyterian Church of New Zealand Revs. Hr J. Gibb (Dunedin;, 1. Jolly, AI.A. Palmerston North), J. Alcivcnzie, AI.A. (Christchurch), and J. Paterson (St. John’s, Wellington), Alc.ssr.-i AV. H. Rose (Oamarn), James AlcKcrrow and J. G. W. Aitkon (Wellington). Anglican Church—Bishop of AVaiapn. Dean Harper (Christchurch). Revs. J. Campbell (Christchurch), T. H. Sprott, ALA. (AA'elliiigtou), and C. C. Harper, M.A, (Palmerston North), Air LevanBrown, AI.A. (Christchurch). Methodist Church —Revs. AA . C. Oliver (AVellington), J. A. Luxford (Lyttelton), and 11. Bull, Alessrs C. S. Howard and J. A. Flo-shor (Christchurch). Primitive Methodists —Rev. J. Dawson and Air 0. AI. 'Duke (AYollingtoii).

Congregational Church —Revs._ J. R. Glasson, B. L. Thomas and AV. Newman Hull (AVellington). Baptists—'Revs. C. Dallaston (AA cllington), and B. S. Gray (Christchurch). Church of- Christ—Air AV. AI. Green (Dunedin). Tho Bible in Schools Associations wore represented by the Revs. Gray Dixon, AI.A., and AV. E.'Gillen (Auckland), and Professor Eastorfield and Air E. B. Brown (Wellington). Tho Bishop of Nelson and Mr BevanBrown apologised for inability to bo present. Tho Rov. Mr Gibb, in tracing tho origins of tho movement and the events which had led up to tho conference, reminded the delegates of tho agitation that had taken place throughout tho colony a few months ago in lavour of Bihlo-rcading in State schools. All tho churches in tho colony, with the exception of tho Catholic, had shown their approval of tho proposal, and gave evidence that they were in favour ot steps being taken to secure the end in view. Associatioks had been formed in some parts of the colony, and in several districts plebiscites had been taken with a view to ascertaining tho feeling ot the people on the, question. Tho generally approved platform was that some system should bo devised whereby thero would bo tho repetition of the Lord’s prayer and some readings from an approved Scripture text book, with a conscience clause for the children of parents whodid not desire to take advantage of the system. In Otago tho plebiscite had boon very successful, there being in no case a majority of less than three to one in favour of Biblc-rcadiilg, while in some cases tho majority was thirty to one. Ho felt certain that a referendum ot tho wholo colony on the subject would give an overwhelming majority in favour of the proposal. He had written to the churches and clergy suggesting a national conference, and the present gathering was tho result. Tho conference directly represented the churches, hr.it lie was pleased to 'welcome delegates from tho Bihle-in-Schools Associations. Tho primary business was to consider the question of a text book which would bo suitable for use in tho schools. The Presbyterian Assembly had approved tho Victorian system of Scripture instruction, but tho Presbyterian delegates were left with their hands as free as any of the other delegates. Tho conference, ho thought, should adopt or modify tho Victorian scheme, or .formulate a now, one altogether. Having come to a decision, it should .approach the Premier with it,- and in tho name of tho churches ask tho Government, through him, to adopt the scheme. (Apnlauso.) ■ Dr Gibb was oleoted. chairman of the conference, and Air Flesher secretary. Tho first stop of the conference was to decide that its proceedings should not be open to tho press. Subsequently tho secretary announced that tho conference had decided “That this meeting proceed to consider the Victorian scheme of lessons as a basis for the lessons to be adopted for use in the State schools.”

Tho meeting resumes at 10 a.m. today.