BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1, 2 September 1913, Page 7

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

o MR MASSEY’S VIEW. [Per Press Association.] Wellington,. September 1. A deputation representing the Jhurch of England, Presbyterian and Methodise Churches and Salvation Amy waited on the Prime Minister ;o-day to urge that a Mill be introInced this session providing for a referendum next election on the subject >f Bible in schools. Mr Massey, in reply, said that there vas one point of view on which he vas not quite clear. He should have iked to hear a suggestion from the leputation as to the manner in which '.ho question should lie put to electors. Pile point was exceedingly important, ind ho thought a very groat deal would depend upon it. The Governnent haul decided that it would not submit any legislation during the present session with the object of providing for a referendum on the Bible n Schools question. That decision,” 10 said, “in my opinion will not be iltered. lam not going to oomini! he Government For or against any proposal that may bo considered next icssiou. As far as !am personally oncented 1 am in fav r of moral and •eligious teaching in the public chools hut here is a point on which ’nay probably differ from the deputation. lam opposed to anything vliich may intorduco sectarian dilfer■nors and sectarian bitterness or anyhing wbicli will interfere with tlm ■ocula • system of education, and yon have to convince mo that what is imposed will not have that effect beore ' can look favorably on your side