THE BIBLE & THE SCHOOLS

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 218, 19 October 1914, Page 11

THE BIBLE & THE SCHOOLS

EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT. Press Association. WELLINGTON, October 19. The Education Committee continued its hearing of evidence this morning against the Religious Instruction in Schools Bill. The cross-examination of Rev. D. C. Bates was concluded. Rev. C. S. Cook said the Methodist Church supported the platform of the league, as a result of long experience. The Australian system had given general satisfaction wherever tried. He did not know that there was any hostility from the Catholic hierarchy, but no serious attempt had been made to alter the system. Lessons did not cause sectarian strife, and did not disturb denomination loyalty among the ministers. He had been a pupil under the New South Wales system, and had derived great benefit. Small denominations did not suffer from the system. Teachers and inspectors in New South Wales were confident, and many were enthusiastic concerning the moral value of the lessons. It was apparent that at least there were 70,000 children in New Zealand outside the Sunday schools, and a large proportion! of the remainder were irregularly instructed. For those reasons all in favour of Sunday school work should be heart and soul with the effort to bring Bible teaching into the State schools.