BIBLE-READING IN SCHOOLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2561, 6 May 1903, Page 11

BIBLE-READING IN SCHOOLS.

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER

WELLINGTON, April 29.

A deputation from the Bible-reading in •Schools Conference waited on the Premier to-night to ask. that after they had succeeded in drafting a scheme the Government should submit it to the electors of the colony, so that they might have an opportunity of expressing their mind on the whole situation.

The- Bi=hop of Waiajm, on behalf of a majority of the Anglican communion, expressed hearty concurrence with the results of the ooaiferenoe.

The Premier, in reply, said it must be di,>-tinci!y understood that he wais opposed to denominationalism. He would be very sony to see the colony go back to the condition it was in prior to the national system of education coming into force. The quebtion of Biblical instruction was, however, one of great importance. He had been watching the movement \ery carefully, and was surprised at the large majority the recent plebiscites showed. He noticed tlm there .seemed to be no hesitation on the part of candidates for Parliament giving an affirmative answer to tho suggestion that the voice of the people should be taken, therefore to request, him to giv<* the people that, opportunity was to ask him to do his bounden duty. But the legal machinery did not count. It would be much better if some matkod wa» .provided, and Parliament took

the responsibility of arranging under what 1 conditions public opinion could be taken. cm large questions as they arise. As far as the Government was concerned a Referendum Bill would be introduced next cession or Parliament. April 30. The Scripture Text-book Conference concluded its deliberations. A unanimous election was arrived at in regard to the series of lessons comprised in the Victorian scheme, which will be recommended for use in the sohools, but the terms and scope of this resolution have not been announced. A " Revising Committee was appointed to go through the work and report to the con- ' ference before submitting the same to th: Premier. The chairman (Dr Gibb), Dean Harper (Christchurch), Revs. Sprott (Wellington), Gilham (Auckland), Juxford (Lyttelton), Saunders (Dunedin), Messrs Aitken, M.H.R. (Wellington), Bedford, M.H.R. (Dunedin). Bevan Brown (Christchurch), E. Button (Auckland), and the secretary (MrFlcrher, Christchurch) wero appointed as ! a committee to further prosecute tho movej ment ; Dr Gibb to be convener. The DunI edin members, with the Dean of Christ- ' church, were appointed the executive of the , committee.