BIBLE TEACHING IN SCHOOLS

Southland Times, Issue 23307, 17 September 1937, Page 6

BIBLE TEACHING IN SCHOOLS

DEPUTATION WAITS ON MR SAVAGE AMENDING LEGISLATION NOT FAVOURED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 16. "While opinion is divided in Parliament on the question of religious instruction in schools, it would be madness for the Government to introduce legislation amending the Education Act in that direction while other important social legislation is waiting to be passed,” said the Prime Minister (the Rt Hon. M. J. Savage) to a large deputation from the New Zealand Bible-in-Schools League today. Such legislation could only be forced through by using the closure, and he would never use it for that purpose. The Rev. J. Thompson Macky, the principal speaker for the deputation, which sought Bible teaching in schools, urged that nothing should be done to interfere with the splendid work of Bible instruction being given in some districts under the present Act. The Minister of Education (tire Hon. P. Fraser) assured the deputation that its representations would receive every possible consideration from the Government. He felt that the intention of Parliament was not being observed by the means adopted to introduce re- » ligious exercises in various parts of the country. He stated that before a Bill was passed through the House the league would be consulted, but the question of religious exercises had not yet been discussed by the Government. Nothing would be done by the Government to show any disrespect for religious opinion, but they would recognize that for the time being he was the people’s trustee for the education system. He would look at the matter in a broad-minded, tolerant way, but could not see any half-way stopping place. Mr Savage pointed out that the Bible-in-schools was one thing Parliament never agreed upon. Even the denominations themselves were not united on Bible reading in schools. He told them frankly that in his opinion it would be a mistake for the Government to decide in favour of any substantial measure of religious teaching in the State schools. They had the Nelson system now. . “My final word to you is this, said Mr Savage. “Your representstions will be placed before Cabinet, which will have to decide whether legislation will be introduced to give effect to your wishes. But my personal opinion is that it would not help you or help us if we tried to sledge-hammer this thing through the House of Representatives, because that is what it would come to.”