BIBLE IN SCHOOLS DEBATE.

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 225, 18 March 1914, Page 40

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS DEBATE.

This debate was opened by a resolution by Mrs l/ee-Cowie, ‘That we endorse platform of Bible in Schools l/eague.” A point of order was then raised, “Have we power to pledge our I nions to platform ot any outside body?” N.Z Constitution only asks members to sign temperance pledge and N.Z. Constitution. The President replug, “Wo have no pewer to bind Unions on any other point. ’ Miss Henderson moved this amendment : “In view of unanimous desire < f members for Bible in Schools, and great difference of opinion as to method, we pledge our adheienro to great principle <>t Bible teaching in schools, and leave each l nion and each member free to vote for system which their own consciences approve.” Several meml>erc urged that a definite pronouncement as to method he given. Many urged the necessity of Bible teaching for children, which, inched, no one questioned. It was |K>ii>t<Mi out that there would be no chance of any system be-

ing carried without a strong minority \ote, and that it would be better to avoid any division on a question which was only one ot method, and not one of principle. Several members shaking under the influence of strong emotion, said that they were as strongly in favour of the Nelson system as some of their sisters were in favour of tin* League system. but were prepared to vote for a measure which, while it enforced tin* principle of Bible teaching in our schools, left each free t- support the method they approved of. One or two sneakers emphasised the fact that though they could sup|K>rt the Bible teaching in our schools, they could not c< nscientioiisly support the sectarian teaching advocated by the Bible in Schools League. Ail earnest appeal was made at the conclusion to all members not to have any division in our rank.sin this most important year of our temperance work. When the amendment was put L the meeting. 38 voted for it out of GO present. Before the negati\e could bo asked lor, Mrs Lco-Uowie, with deep feeling in her voice, withdrew her resolution, and urged all members to support the amendment. The amendment was then put as the motion, and 52 voted for t and 7 against. Mrs Lee-Cow ie: Will the reporters see that it g< es out to the world that the \\ C.T.I stan Is solidly in favour of Bible teaching in our Retinols? Mrs Atkinson: Yes, and will they also carefully note that Convention ha«> not pronounced last year s resolution a mistake ?