BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XII, Issue 1019, 17 October 1902, Page 3

BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The question of Bible Reading in Schools seems just now to bt coming very much to the front. Plebescites are being taken and questions on the subject asked of candidates for Parliament. I, with many others, am in doubt as to what is meant by the term " Bible Reading in Schools." Is it 1 Bible reading in the Schools by lay teachars without comment 2 Bible reading in Schools with i religious instruction. 3 Bible instruction from a text book approved by the Clergy of r,he various deonminations 4 Kegular Bible reading afid re-.j ligious instruction by the Clergy of the different denominations at the schools to the children of their respective denominations. All the above of course with a conscience clause. I have heard all these views of the subject put forward and possibly there may brother proposals as well. Now the people who - hold these divergent views would unite in voting for "Bible reading in Schools" meaning their particular view of the subject—and if Bible reading in schools was carried, there the trouble would begin. My only view in writing is that when,this subject is brought forward for a plehescite or to make a Parliamentary candidate unhappy —the meaning attached to the term Bible reading in schools should be clearly stated. My own experience has been that when two or three advocates of Bible reading in Schools discuss the matter from their respective points of view, considerable heat and acrimony is evolved. lam etc, ■ Kent.

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