NELSON SYSTEM AT ELTHAM

Taranaki Daily News, 4 June 1934, Page 6

NELSON SYSTEM AT ELTHAM

BIBLE READING IN THE SCHOOL. INTRODUCTION DECIDED UPON. “That we agree to the Nelson system of Bible reading in the school,” was the subject of a motion by the chairman (thv Rev. J. A. Ryburn) at a meeting of the Eltham school committee on Friday. He explained the Nelson system and said it was optional for teachers to attend. A child not wishing to attend was allowed to stand out, but was given other work.

Major Perry seconded the motion. Dr. Saunders moved an amendment that the introduction of the Nelson system be postponed for one month until the parents had been consulted by a referendum. He pointed out that there was much controversial feeling and it was fairest to allow parents to have a say. If they favoured it, then he would support the proposal, although personally he was against it. Mr. H. J. Mehrtens seconded the amendment, and Mr. Glass spoke in support. Major Perry said last year there was much disappointment at the Bible not being allowed arid he suggested that it be given a trial for a period now they were strong enough. Mrs. Jones endorsed the remarks and said it.jWas open to parents to attend the annual meeting and indicate their views. Dr. Saunders said the Bible in schools party had the upper hand and was going to take advantage of it. The question would be a hardy annual and next year the opposition would pack the meeting and reverse the decision. They had been caught napping but would not be caught napping next time. He thought the best way to settle the question harmoniously for all time was to allow the parents to record their views. Mr. Towers favoured the committee deciding the matter as it had the confidence of the householders. Mr. Muggeridge indicated his support of the motion and considered much opposition was coming from people who did not send their children to the Eltham school. Mr. Lynch said he did not see why it should embitter any parent to have Bible reading in school. He had heard much criticism of the scheme. , The amendment was lost and Dr. Saunders moved an amendment adding to the motion the words “that a referendum of parents be taken in 12 months time whether they desired the system to continue,” but this lapsed for want of a seconder. The motion was carried, Dr. Saunders dissenting. Dr. Saunders asked if the system would be under the supervision of the committee and what arrangements would be made for exemptions. The chairman said the system would be arranged by the ministers in association with the headmaster. GIFT EVENING AT TOKO. SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAMES. The Toko hall was crowded on Thursday night, the occasion being a gift evening to Miss F. Jones and Mr. J. Delaruc, who are shortly to be married. The evening was spent with musical games and dancing the director of ceremonies being Mr. T.- T. Murray. Music was supplied by Mr. and Mrs. Chainey, Mr. Von Stunner, Miss Griffiths, Miss C. Milne and Mr. C. Henderson. ; Winners of competitions were: Musical',bobs, Miss J. Ferguson and Mr. J. Henry; musical parcel, Mr. J. Delarue; Monte Carlo No. I, Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Bretherton; Monte Carlo No. 2, Mrs. Petch and Mr. L. Tracey. Mr. Murray eulogised the guests of the evening and asked them to accept the presents set out on the stage. A bouquet was presented to Miss Jones by Miss Inez Platt and a buttonhole to Mr. Delarue by Miss Maisie Platt. Mr. Delarue . responded. Dancing continued till midnight when Mr. Murray extended the congratulations of those present to Messrs. Evan and Peter Jones, who that day had attained their majority. There were two basketball matches at the school on Thursday. Stratford Convent defeated Toko by nine points to seven. Toko Old Girls defeated Stratford Convent Old Girls by nine points to five. CENTRAL DIVISION REFEREES. The referees for the Central Division Rugby competitions on Thursday will be:— First junior: Midhirst v. Pukengahu, Mr. C. Evans; United Old Boys v. Toko, Mr. Aitken; Cardiff v. Ptratford, Mr. Were; Tariki v. Inglewod, Mr. C. Pellowe, Eltham, a bye. Third grade: School v. Inglewood, Mr. Carter; United Old Boys v. Cardiff, Mr. J. Robson; Stratford, a bye. Fourth grade: School A v. School B, Mr. White; Toko v. Stratford, Mr. Blackstock. KING’S, STRATFORD. “MADAME SPY.” “Madame Spy,” considered to be one of the finest attractions to be presented in the King’s Theatre for some time, which won the approval of a large audience on Saturday night, will be finally, screened to-night. Fay Wray and Nils Asther portray the leading roles. Actual prison life is unfolded with a thrill and surprise in the picture, “Twenty Thousand Years in Sing Sing,” which will commence a two nights’ season at the King’s Theatre to-morrow. The picture really starts where most pictures dealing with lawless men leave off. The story, taken from the sensational book of Lewis E. Lawes, warden of Sing Sing Prison at Ossining, New York, gives an accurate picture of that institution, of the human side of convict life, with its humour, its tragedies, and its pathos. The characters in the picture are portrayed by an exceptional cast which includes Spencer Tracey, Bette. Davis, Arthur Byron, Lyle Talbot, Grant Mitchell, Warren Hymer, Louis Calhem, Edward J. McNamara and Sheila Terry. The supporting items include a Lowell Thomas travel talk on whaling ventures in the Arctic, an Australian News and a musical revue. ADVERTISERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS. On Thursday a fox-trot competition will be held at a dance at- the parish hall, Eltham, in aid of the Convent Sisters. Miss Tui Mcßae will be the judge. Rangi Tito will be seen in tap dance specialties. A waltzing competition will be the attraction at the Rowan Tennis Club dance on Wednesday. A free bus will run from Kaponga.