BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 53, 8 April 1914, Page 6

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

To tlie Editor of THE SUN. Sir, —The tone "of Mr Ramsay 's letterstamps him as one of those oddities who have a down on the clergy, and imagine that their: ill-will is widoiy shared, because the crowds outside Church on Sundays are larger than, those inside. These crowds of holidaymakers prefer amusement to but cannot effeet both at once. . Thoy are not spiteful and unjust. Why should they hate the clergy? The modern clergyman works hard on poor pay' for the welfare of his fellow-meii. The frequent charge that, the Schools League obtains signatures undeifalse pretences implies that the recipients of free compulsory secular education cannot read. For printed plainly " on each of our cards is the following':- '' I am in favour of the system ,of religious instruction in State schools, described on the other side, and reqnest referendum to be taken thereon." " "Objective." (on back of card):— System of religious instruction in State schools prevailing in Australia. - Eesr sons read in school hours by the children themselves from Scripture booksprovided by the Education Department,- ' State school teachers supervising the reading, but not giving 'sectarian or dogmatic teaching. Visits during school hours by ministers or teachers from the churches, instructing . children in the faith of their fathers. Conscience clause, by which the parent has complete control of the child's religious instruction in the; publie school.' f . It is nowhere stated that the claim, for exemption must be in writing. But if it were, where is the hardship? Have the recipients of free compulsory secular education a, ; difficulty in writing as well as r in reading? • How is persecution possible if a conscience clause affords exemption?. How can water be held in a sieve?' All such arguments are unmitigated '' bounce,<: : and imply that the recipients of free compulsory secular education cannot think, read, or write.—l am, etc., ; ; . PARENTS' EIGHT.. - ,>