BIBLE IN SCHOOLS LEAGUE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13755, 21 June 1913, Page 4

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS LEAGUE.

! (To the Editor of "The Colonist.") : Sir, —Tho honour of. introducing the Now South Wales system to the people of Now Zealand goes a-begging.. Tho., other day I declined the distinction for the Presbjtorian Church, and this morning tho Right Rev. W. C. Nelson doe 3 tho same for tho Anglican communion. In reply to Nmy statement that "this has been the pet scheme of the Anglican Synods for tho last thirty years,"' he says, "tho so-called -Now South Wale© system was not adopted by the Goneral Synod until 1910." As I did not mention General Synods, both statements may bo correct. In the report in 1899 of the- Bible in Schools coinmitteo of the Otago Presbyterian Synod, then an independent Church, it is stated: "Wo do not antteipato that this will satisfy the leaders of the Anglican Church, who have expressed a preference for tho New South Walea system —namely, tho daily reading of the Scripture Lesson Book of tho Irish Commissioners, and in addition tho right of ministers of tho different cimrches to conduct classes for Bible teaching for half an hour onco a week within tho school hours." That shows what tho Anglican Church wanted long before 1910. In your evening contemporary of 19th April last, the Rev. W. G. Baker said, "It is not with me a new love, but a seasoned one of 40 years at least." If Mr. Baker is not speaking of the New Soiith Wales system that at least is the impression left on tho reader. It wae becauso of this Anglican dosiro that, in the üboyie Otago Synod, a motion was moved in tho lino of Now South Wales, and with a referendum; but "after discussion, j the motion was rejected by a large | majority." With that I sympathise. I am, etc., J. H. MACKENZIE.