BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

White Ribbon, Volume 16, Issue 190, 19 April 1911, Page 17

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Our Vnions throughout tin* Dominion have shown an increased activity in this work, and earnest efforts have been put forth to have tin* Bible read in our schools. I would urge upon the Vnions the iui|>ortunce of this matter, and ask that they use their influence to have a system ot Bible reading introduced. Tin re is an earnest desire to introduce the New Si*utli Wales System, which has met with favour in a number of Churches in the Dominion. I’his System has Iweii in vogue in New South Wales since I Hid. in Tasmania since IWW, and West Australia since 1895. It provides for (1) Selected Bible Lessons being given by the State school teachers without sectarian teaching; (2) ministers of religion or their accredited substitutes visiting the schools during school hours; (3) a conscience clause provides that no child shall receive religious teaching «ither from tin* State school teacher or from the ministers of religion against the parents’ wish. Fuller information of this System may be obtained by applying to the Wellington Bible in Schools league. Tin* fact that it has been working in New South Wales for 15 years i> a proof of its success and I think we can confidently give our support and influence to such a splendid mmement. Out of the 82 I nions circularised the following have sent reports:-

Nelson has always a cheering ie|M>rt. The Nelson System is in vogue in ail the city schools, and is most satisfactorily carried on, the attendance being excellent. A member of the Nelson I moil is one of the regular teachers.

New Plymouth. Three schools are visited weekly by ministers. Idle attendance is not satisfactory. The Member for New Plymouth was interviewed by the Vnion re tin* Referendum Bill. Levin. In conjunction with the Council of Churches made a hrave attempt to place a gentleman on the School Committee in sympathy with this wank, hut nut with failure. (ii home.— Two incmhcrs of this Vnion arc teaching in connection with the Volant try Teachers’ Association, and an anna d sum is voted to the Association out of their funds. They assisted to place members on the School Committee favourable to the movement. Dunedin.—lbis work is being well carried oil by ministers and the City Missionary. They urged upon the Member of Parliament to use bis influence to get a Referendum Bill introduced, and decided to refuse their support to any candidate unless he agreed to their reouest. Oncliunga had a petition signed by 80 parents asking that tin* Bible he read in tli e schools, and obtained permission for copies of the Ten Commandments to *e hung in tin* schools.

Ngacre nominat'd a ticket of Candida. . for the School Committee, and sucee«*ded hi returning one of their members and two others favourable to the subject. Petitions were also taken round to tin* parents in the scattered districts and presented to the School Committee and

Board of Kducation. The Nelson System was advocated. Waimate. Mood work is bring done by the Ministers’ Association. Invercargill.- The Nelson System is t< he carried on by the local ministers Literature has been distributed, and tin Member interviewed re the Rcfereiiduir Bill W inclimore. Phe Nelson system suecommenced by tin* ministers Hangmra. The clergy have held weekly classes for some years. Waipawa A petition lias l»een sent t< Parliament re the Referendum Bill. Waipukurau made a good atte apt to return memhers to the School Committee favourable to this question. Wellington Central is in full sympathy with this subject. A petition was sent to Parliament asking for a Referendum Bill. Wellington Vnion is doing all in its power to have the Bibb* in the schools Three of their members were returned on the School Committee. Wanganui Ministers give Bible les sons regularly in tin* schools. Westport Vnion interviewed local minis ters and urged them to advocate Bible reading in schools. Petone. Work being done by ministers Ngaruawaliia wrote to tin* School Committee and urges! Bible reading in schools. I pper Mutt petitioned their Member re the Referendum Bill and also tried to have the Nelson system introduced. Timaru. Ministers have staited Bible lessons in tin* schools this year.

Kaiapoi. Member was |M‘titiom*d re the Referendum Bill and other attempts were made to have the Bible introduced into the sehools. They purchased copies of the Ten Commandments for the school walls. Bluff.—Vnion sent a petition to the Premier r* Bible leading in schools. Lower Mutt reports splendid efforts made in spite of opposition from the School Committee. Meetings were held on a lawn after school for the children till eventually the way was o|M*m*d to give regulai Bible reading. (iicyniouth. Schools visited weekly by ministers and the Salvation Army. Feilding.- Ministers give Bible instruction twin* a week in schools. Auckland carries on one class in a State school. Prizes are given for attendance. Bible lessons are given, and selected portions of Scripture are committed to memory by the children. A favourable reply was received from one of our Memhers of Parliament re the Rcierendum Bill. Ihc Ministers’ Association has the matter ot Bible reading in schools in ’ and, and hopes to have a system introduced Waikare, Christchurch, Makapu, Xortii Fast Valley, and Tauranga sen unable to do any work.

I trust the time inav not he far distant when Cod’s Won! "ill be read in every school throughout our beautiful Dominion, and that the resu.t may he * nobler and purer nath n. N. DKWAIV N.Z. Superintendent.