The White Ribbon. "For God, and Home, and Humanity." WELLINGTON, NOVEMBER 18, 1932. BIBLE IN SCHOOLS BILL.

White Ribbon, Volume 38, Issue 448, 18 November 1932, Page 6

The White Ribbon. "For God, and Home, and Humanity." WELLINGTON, NOVEMBER 18, 1932. BIBLE IN SCHOOLS BILL.

General regret will be felt that once more Parliament has failed to pass a Bill giving children in our primary schools the right to read the Bible in school hours.

The Bill was introduced in the Upper House. But the division on an amendment was so close that Sir James Allen decided to withdraw the I’* 11, as it had no chance of passing.

Had the < iovernment introduced the Bill in the Lower House, they could, without doubt, have secured its passage there. Until such tine as we have a Government who will pass a measure allowing the Bible to be read in our primary schools, all School Committees should be urged to allow the Nelson system to be introduced in the schools under their control. We cannot recall a single instance of parents refusing to consent to Bible reading. Committees have taken votes of parents l>efore allowing the Nelson system, and the parents have voted for it. The Nelson system does tine service, the only weakness charged against it l>eing that it is not capable of being worked in every school. In back country districts, where ministers are few, it is impossible to reach all schools. But if the desire is earnest to have the children taught Hod's Word, surely arrangements can be made to send ministers to these districts. If we cannot

get the Bill we wish for, then let us use to the utmost the right we have to give Bible teaching wherever possible. la*t us use what w r e have while we are working for more.