BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15398, 15 July 1914, Page 9

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

MEETING AT ORARI. ADDRESS IN FAVOUR OF THE j BILL: j A largely attended meeting was held at Orari on Friday night last,- Rev. A. B. Todd in t'ho chair, when an address was given by the Rev. G. King of Pleasant Point. The speaker referred to the English B:ble as the noblest literature in our language and the greatest book of morals in the world, and said it was this they wished their children to be taught in the State schools. The school teachers were to be asked to treat it simply as a bcofc of literature and morals, but Ministers were to be allowed to go further and teach religion from it. The church had consistently protested against the exclusion of the Bible, but unformiately all Christians had not been agreed as to the best way of getting the Bible back into the schools. 'Now, (however, quite 75 .per cent, of the people were agreed on the Australian system, which he proceeded to explain. Mr King then xlea-lt with some of the objections ro.'sed. He said the, State had taken over the work of education from the church and had no right to leave out; or to teach imperfectly, the moral part which was the most important. He acknowledged that there must always be some difficulty on conscientious grounds, but he asked if the rights of conscience of 75 per cent, of the people w.ero always to be ignored for fear of hardship to a. few. Opponents of the system were not the only people having consciences. He concluded by urging all, whether sympathisers or opponents to make this matter a- subject of prayer. If they found that God was leading them to orapose it then let them do so with all their hearts in His service, but if He was leading them to agree to it, then let them work for it with enthusiasm. After he had answered some questions the Rev. gentleman was accorded a hearty vote of thanks moved by Mr G. Hewson and seconded by Mr T. Bates. On the motion of Mr G. Macdonaid, seconded by Mr Mason, a resolution in favour, of the referendum was then carried with four dissentients. Short addresses were then given hy Rev. Canon Hamilton and the Rev. B. Dudley, and appreciation was expressed a I the gocd work done by Miss Hawke and those .who appointed her in organising so successful a meeting. .