BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 84, 13 August 1913, Page 3

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

The Rev. P. W. Clarkson, official lecturer and financial organiser for the Bible in State Schools League, is at present conducting a campaign in the Stratford electorate. On Sunday he preached to good congregates at Cardiff and Ngaere, and set up committees, at night in Holy Trinity Churcli, there was' a very /largo, congregation, and at 8.20 Mr Clarkson addressed a united rally in the Presbyterian Church, where a large audience assembled. On Tuesday afternoon a branch of the Women* League was formed, and in the evening the Presbyterian Hall was well filled, when the Rev. P. W. Clarkson lectured to a very appreciative audience. The lecturer dealt with tka true idea of education, and its division into five branches—Literature, Science, Art, Institutional Life,, and Religious Belief—and dwelt upon the necessity of cultivating the whole man. The platform of- the League was clearly and fully stated, simple Bible lessons to be. read by the children, out of a book'to be prepared by the Education Department. a conscience* clause by which''children could withdrawn, and [ 'the jrigbjti of! entry 'to £iVe a -lesson' 'each week inithe schools by the Ministers or accredited churcli t'«afchett».! Great stress. Was' laid upon the? fact that the teachers were not ".expected to teach religion. The lecturer dealt with many supposed objections, the overcrowded syllabui, etc., and satisfactorily answered many questions, including an explanation of the'Nelson system. A vote of thanka ws» accorded the lecturer foi' hi*coinpre--hen Sire and interesting lecture, which was so | witty and-' enlightening:'*-A large and influential committee was set up and "jfully-' organised, and the following resolution unanimously, -carried this meeting affirms the platform;Of the-Bible in Schools League, and pledges itself to support the demand f<f a referendum.'?