BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144343, 6 March 1914, Page 6

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

METHODISTS DIVIDED. PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. DUNEDIN. March 5. At the Methodist Conleruncc this evening, the Bihie-in-Schools question was introduced by the Rev. J. J. Lewis muring, in an eloquent speech : "That this conforeneo alltrms its adherence to tlie platform and objects of tlio Uihie-in-Stalo-Schools League, and congratulates the league on the success that baa attended its efforts during the past year, and urges the Government to pass the necessary legislation to enable the people of the Dominion to express their will concerning this important question at tho next general election.” This was seconded by Mr. ,1. A. Flosher. The Rev. J. \V. Burton moved as an amendment; “That file conference regards tlie proposed referendum on tho Bihle-in-sehools question, in its present form, as distinctly unfair, in that it disfranchises so many members of the community who, while agreeing with tho first section of the proposal, which aims at the introduction of the Bible in schools, cannot conscientiously vote for the section which seeks to introduce an odious form of sectarian instruction for children.” Tho amendment was lost by 86 votes to 35, and the motion was carried by 95 votes to 14. Tho Rev. J. J. Lewis received a great ovation on the conclusion of his reply.