THE BIBLE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19772, 13 April 1934, Page 8

THE BIBLE

A TYPOGRAPHICAL CHANGE MOTION BEFORE GENERAL SYNOD By Telegraph—Press Association NAPIER, April 12. The possibilities of adopting a form of Bible more in keeping with the best modem book production is receiving the attention of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of New Zealand now sitting in Napier. At this evening’s session a motion to this effect was moved by Archdeacon G. H. Gavin and seconded, but, the debate was adjourned till later in the session. The motion read as follows: —

“That the General Synod of New Zealand considers the time has come when it is advisable to cease the publication of the authorised version of the Bible in its present form and to adopt a form more in keeping with best modern book production; that it believes there is a large public ready to welcome such a change, and that it is convinced that it would greatly facilitate public reading of the Bible and lead to a more intelligent study of it in private reading. While not contemplating the alteration of a single word in this great English classic, the Synod would welcome expert consideration of the following changes:— (1) “That no type should be used smaller than 14 point size. (2) “That the doubl: column be abolished and the typescript allowed to run right across the pages as in an ordinary book.

(3) “That indentations etc. for chapters and verses be abolished, and chapter and verse numbers be relegated to the margin for reference purposes.

(4) “That poetry be printed as poetry. (5) “That quotation marks be used. (6) “That dialogue be printed as dialogue. (7) “That dislocations of text be set right where m:. placement of passages is deemed to have occurred. (8) “That the Bible be rearranged in chronological sequence so as to show the intelligent reader the development of religious thought. (9) “That the Apocrypha be more generally included in the various editions.

(10) “That a more suitable colour be substituted for the present black cover.

(11) “That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to their Graces the Archbishops of Canterbury, York and Armagh, the syndics of the University presses of Oxford and Cambridge and to Messrs Eyre and Spottiswoode, the King’s printers, with a request that consideration be given to this much needed reform.”