BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14213, 14 May 1908, Page 5

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

ACTION BY AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY. (Per United Pbkss Association.) AUCKLAND, May 13.

The question of introducing the Bible into the. public schools was t.he subject of 60mc discussion ax the meeting of tho Auckland Presbytery.

Mr A. Bell moved—"That the Book of ProverbsMie recommended by the presbytery to tho Board of Education as a school book after a committee of tho presbytery has considered it, with a view to tho elimination of what may be unsuitable." The mover oonsidercd that there was little chance of the Bible being introduced into the schools, and thought that if the Book of Proverbs were introduced, as suggested, it would he productive of much good. 1 The majoity of t.he presbytery, while sympathising with Mr Bell in his gocd intentions, generally opposed tho motion oil file ground that it would he a retrograde step, and that if they were unable to get the Bible read or taught in the schools as desired, it would be preferable to have copies of the Ten Commandments and of tho Lord's Prayer hung up in tho school rooms. .Mr L. J. Bagnall (chairman of (.lie Kducation Board) said the board had already approved of the Ten Commandments being hung in the class rooms. As lo getting tho Bible, or any part of it, used as a school hook, however, that was not a matter for the board's consideration, and could only he authorised by tlio department. Mr Ball (withdrew his motion, and a committee was set up to consider tho whole question.