“NOT A CHANCE”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17917, 22 October 1932, Page 12

“NOT A CHANCE”

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS BILL WITHDRAWN IN COUNCIL (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. The Legislative Council to-day went into committee on the Religious .Instruction in Public Schools Enabling Bill. Sir Francis Bell moved that the words “Religious and enabling” lie deleted from the short title. , The voting resulted in 10 for and 10 against, and the Chairman of Committees voted in favor of the amendment. The division was as follows For the amendment.—Bell, Carrington, Fagan, McGallum, Mclntyre, Masters, Scott, Stevenson, Trevithick, Witty. Against the amendment.—‘Allen, Buddo, Collins, Jones, Isitt, Moore, Parr, Rhodes, Smith, Snodgrass. Sir James Allen moved to insert in danse 2 the following definition of the Nelson system: “Tho'Nelson system shall mean' a system of religions instruction, in which children whose parents desire them to participate are released, from secular instruction otherwise given, in order to attend the classes conducted by voluntary instructors or teachers approved by a school committee. Such classes must not bo held during the four hours required daily for secular instruction under the provisions of the principal Act.” Sir J. Allen said it was desired to legalise the Nelson system, which was apparently favored by several opponents of tho bill. Sir Francis Bell said be objected to the amendment, as the Nelson system was not mentioned in the bill. A division resulted in 10 for and 10 against, and the chairman voted against the amendment. Sir .Tames Allen said it was clear the bill did not have a chance of passing, and lie wniild withdraw it. and ihc Council rose until November 1.