CLERGYMAN'S EVIDENCE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 216, 16 October 1914, Page 10

CLERGYMAN'S EVIDENCE.

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. Press Association. WELLINGTON, October 16. : The Education Committee continued taking evidence on the Bible-in-Schools question this morning. The cross-examination of Mr Caughley was continued by Canon. Garland and Professor Hunter. The witness re-, mained unshaken in his opposition to the league system. The Rev. D. 0. Bates, Church of England clergyman, and Civil Servant, said he had had experience of the New South Wales system of Bible instruc» tion and thought it a failure and a reproach. Clergymen were of, the opinion that the majority of teachers were, opposed to religious teaching in schools and that it would lead to dismissals and persecutions. The schools should not be used as a lecturing ground for, Churches. The Church was atdistinc ; tive place for religious instruction, and it was wrong to attempt to capture the schools and'teach what the ministers and parents failed to impart. The State should in no way interfere with religion and he deprecated any attempt to influence members of Parliament. He opposed matters, of religion being submitted to a plebiscite.