RELIGIOUS TEACHING IN STATE SCHOOLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2671, 24 May 1905, Page 62

RELIGIOUS TEACHING IN STATE SCHOOLS.

THE NELSON SYSTEM. The following has been issued in reply to a number of letters of inquiry : — This method has been in operation for over 10 years. The staff of Bible teachers embraces ministers and members of all the Protestant Churches of the town; the teaching' is given within .the usual school hours; a large majority of parents approve of their children attending, and 90 per cent, of pupils do so. The scheme was made possible because the local school committee was prepared to act upon and maintain its rights under the Education Act, and the highest legal opinion has since then been obtained in support. (1) School time required by the act is two hours forenoon and two hours afternoon. (2) The committee has authority in fixing the legal school hours. (3) The committee has power to give use of school buildings outside the legal school hours. (4) The board has no power to interfere so long as the committee keeps within the act. Hence, if only four hours' teaching is given there is no room for the scheme. If more than , four hours be given, then the committee . can resolve that on any desired morning of the week the legal hour for starting shall be, say, half an hour later than the usual hour, and the use of the building for the said half-hour can be given to those wishing to give religious instruction. A returnable circular can be sent to parents asking: "Do you wish your son to attend the Bible lesson in school? Answer ." Thus attendance has parental authority. The State teacher may be one of the Bible 6taff. This has been done in Nelson with great success. Our six schools are under one committee. The Bible half-hour is not on the same morning in each school. Positive religious instruction is given. Rev. J. H. MacKenzie is chairman of Town Schools Committee and secretary of Bible Teachers' Association.