BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13136, 21 November 1904, Page 3 (Supplement)

BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

WELLINGTON', November 14. At the Presbyterian Assembly, Wellington, on Monday, November 14, tho Rov. Dr Gilib presented his Biblc-reading-in-schoola report. This detailed at length tho history, of the movement which had received a check by tho rejection of tho Referendum Bill by the Legislative Council. The roport. claimed that with the exception of tho Romau Catholic Church, the reiigious bodies' of the colony are united in demanding that simple undenominational lessons from the. Scriptures shal be taught in the school by. teaehci's of tho Same during school hours. The Rev. Dr Gibb spoke at some length with reference to the deputations which had waited on the Premier, and indicated that ho was beginning to doubt Mr Seddon's good faith in the matter of allowing tlift talcing of a referendum on this questionHe moved the following deliverance, which, was carried unanimously amidst great," enthusiasm:— ''Adopt the report,express deep regret .that, the Premier failed to bring in a referendum especially dea'ing with Bible in schools;' instruct tho commission to do its utmost, in co-operation with the Churches' Conference',' to promote the passage through Parliament: of a bill providing for a special Bible-in-schools referendum next session, and to tal;6' such steps as may bo deemed expedient' to secure the support of parliamentary can-' didates at the next election for the cause' o! Bible in schools. Further, instruct the commission to co operate with the execu.-. tivo of the conference in distributing as widely as possible the pamphlets containing specimens of the lessons contained in the text book."