RELIGIOUS TESTS AND SECULAR SCHOOLS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7029, 18 January 1910, Page 7

RELIGIOUS TESTS AND SECULAR SCHOOLS

(To the Editor “ N.Z. Times.’’) Sir.—l feel indebted to you for yrrar publication of the letters from Mr J.; Gammell and “Aristobulus,” upon the education question. The defence of our secular school system by Mr Gammell seems Ut all points admirable. One can only be surprised that.it should be needed. Still, when, an. institution seems to its supporters practically invulnerable. it is frequently the part of wisdom to be vigilant. I think, too, wo are much indebted i.'l “Aristobulus” for his declaration of enmity—an enmity which, if successful, must be fatal to the existing

system of education, which seems to some of us our most valuable , public asset. Your correspondent frankly admits thut he desire® to have "Christian” teachers in the public schools, and tho context loaves no doubt as to his meaning. There is, of course, a world of difference between teachers who are Christians, and who are iu the schools because they are teachers, .and teachers who are in tho schools because they are Christians. Every secularist honours and welcomes the former, but will hardly be able to do so once the "religious question”—so called—is raised as militant issue. "What “Aristobulus” advocates implies a religious test, either honest and expressed, but very difficult of effective application; or dishonest and furtive, but only too easily operated by bigotry and ignorance, to tho prejudice of all thut is pure in religion, or decent in morals.

In whatever fashion it might be carried out, the change advocated would involve, a religious test in secular schools, or the subversion of the established system. The change is so fundamental thut public attention cannot be too persistently or too closely directed to it. Nor can religious tests, once they are re-imposed, stop at the schools; and thsy ought not so to do. Tho disabilities imposed upon those not with the majority on questions of religious belief Ought to be felt by every class alike. AVe should decline to sacrifice the school teacher if we' would not as readily immolate the Civil Servant or the politician. Why, when once the distinction is made, should it be deemed right for a man who is no! U "Christian,” of the particular variety required, to serve the public in any capacity involving responsibility or trust? The contemplation of this recalls the condition of things prevailing when Sir John Bowring, the author of some moat valued hymns, was a candidate for tho British FUrliament. According to MiGrant Duff's memoirs. Sir. John was warned that if he did not believe ih the Trinity he would hUve to pay at least ten shillings for each vote, arid later om was assured "that they would have a religious man to represent thein, if thev had to go to hell for him.” Trusting that the search for teachers may remairi more circumscribed . than that suggested for politicians, 1 would urge on all who would like to do something’- relil and substantial for tho welfare of tno community to GUARD THE SCHOOL. Wellington, January 15.