BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 93, 19 April 1912, Page 8

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

R EPRESEN TAT IV E CON EER EN CE. (Per Press Association.) Christchurch, April 18. A conference of Dominion church representatives was held to-day, re Dio Bible in schools question. There were present Anglican Church—i ho i rimate, Bishop Neville (in the chair), Dean Fitchett, Dean Harper, Arcndeacon Harper, Canons Carrington and Sedgwick, Revs. Burton, Pnrcfias and Hemland; Presbyterian Church—-Re vs. Dr. Gibb (Wellington), Davis (Dunedin), Tait and Mackenzie (Onnstchurch); Methodist Church—Revs. Laws, Rothwell, Buttle, La wry and Mr J. A. Flesher; Primitive Metiiodist—Rev. S. Henderson. An apology wais received from Brigadier Cist (Salvation Army). The conference was convened a.s a result of an informal conference held in Christchurch in June, 1911. It was reported to the conference that the Anglican Synod, Presbyterian Assembly, and Methodist Conference had formally accepted the main principles of the New South Wales system, and had empowered their delegates to enter into negotiations for a conference and joint action with the representatives of other denominations. It was moved by Dean Fitchett, seconded by Dr. Gibb, and carried: That the general /statement of policy affirmed by resolution at the last conference be reaffirmed, and that t;:c conference constitute itself a league to carry out the resolution. The resolution referred to is as follows: That this conference approves of the general principles of the system of religious instruction which obtains in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Welst Australia, and commends it as the only practical solution of the problem of religious instruction in the State schools of Now Zealand. On the motion of Dr. Gibb, seconded by Mr Davis, it was resolved that a league be established, to ho known as the Bible in State Schools League of New Zealand, and that all Bible in State school organisations already in existence will he invited to incorporate with the new league. It was decided that the headquarters of the executive be for the present in Christchurch, and that an executive committee of the officers of the league and twenty others be appointed. It was agreed that the policy of the league should appeal to the Legislature for a referendum to be carried out on lines of the Queensland referendum in 1910. The question of appointing an organising, ageht was referred to the executive, with power to act. Ihc following officers were appointed : President, Bishop Neville; vicepresidents, the Anglican Bishop, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, presidents of the Methodist Church and Primitive Methodist Conference, officer commanding the Salvation Army of N.Z., chairman ol Congregation Union (subject to lii's; consent), Dean Fitchett, Dean Harper, Revs. Dr. Gibb, R. E. Dunis, 1. Jolly, Methodist chairman of districts and chairmen of local branches of the league. The Rev. J. Mackenzie was appointed secretary pro tern. A committee was appointed to approach various local clergymen and laymen with a view to securing their services on the executive. ,

The general feeling of the conference was that the meeting represented an epoch in the history of + he movement, and that the time was ripe for an appeal to public opinion on the whole question.