BIBLE IN STATE SCHOOLS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14219, 17 February 1914, Page 3

BIBLE IN STATE SCHOOLS.

(Per United Press Association.! DUNEDIN, February 14. At a meeting, of Bible in State schools League held this evening, the following resolution, moved by Dean Fitchett, seconded by Rev. Grant (Congregational minister) was unanimously adopted: “This meeting of the central committee, representing the Bible in State Schools League for the electorates of Bruce, Chalmers, Dunedin Central, Dunedin North, Dunedin South, Dunedin West, Otago Central, Oamaru and Wakitipn, having a written membership of 16,816, expresses the conviction that sufficient evidence has been afforded the Government of the wishes of the people of New Zealand for the referendum asked for by the League to justify the Government in passing the necessary measure to allow the people to decide the matter for themselves. This meeting would regret any delay in the granting of the referendum fearing the effect of such delay woulu he to cause the question of religious instruction to become predominant at the next general election to the overshadowing of party and other questions ,a course which the League has sought to avoid, desiring to keep this matter free from all party issues. This mooting pledges, itself to support the executive of tne League in whatever course it dooms necessary to carry into effect this resolution, and suggests to the executive to consider the desirableness of obtaining from amongst the immense number of League members in the Dominion signed promises from those who arc prepared! to put this question before all political issues.” ' ; ■

The women's branch of the League in the afternoon unanimously resolved as fob lows:—“ This central' committee believes there is a growing opinion amongst the women members of the League that the 37 years’ agitation in favour' of religious instruction in State schools has come to the point when any further procrastination preventing the people from settling -the matter for themselves wi\ have the effect of leaving no alternative to many women, who are prepared to put the Bible and the children’s interest before all parly issues, but to follow that course from | which they have hitherto refrained at the request of the leaders of the movement.”