BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14971, 19 May 1914, Page 2

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

CONFERENCE OF WORKERS

A conference of over 200 workers in connexion, with the Bible-in-State-Schools movement met. at the building yesterday. Representatives were present from the city and suburban electorates, from Hokitika, Geraldine, Ashburton, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Little River, Springston, Lincoln, Hornby, Lyttelton, Belfast and other country centres.

• The present political - situation was carefully reviewed, and -the following resolution; proposed by the Rev. John Mackenzie, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and seconded by Mr H: Holland, Mayor of Christchurch; was carried with .enthusiasm :—

"That this conference of over 200 workers of the Bible-in-State-Schools League representing the Canterbury and West land provinces expresses surprise that as yet the Government have not acceded to the request made by v the highest courts of the Church of England, the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church and the Salvation Army, endorsed so generally by their constituencies and supported by the individual request of 137.0G0 electors, asking for nothiug more than referendum.

"The conference draws attention to statements made by the League opponents claiming the Prime Minister and his Cabinet as in sympathy with them. "This conference emphasises that the League* is not asking the Government or Parliament to decide upon the merits of the-League's proposals or to say whether they arc right or wrong, but is asking the Government to provide the machinery which will allow the people to directly decide that question for themselves at the ballot box."

Earnestness cards pledging the signatories to place the Bible-in-Schools question before any political party issue, should the demand for a referendum be refused, were signed by practically all present. The proceedings were marked by great enthusiasm and by determination to bring this question to an immediate issue.

On Sunday evening Canon Garland occupied the pulpit at the A&hburton St. Stephen's Anglican Church and preached a sermon relative to the objective w? tho Blbit-Un-State-School l League. There was a large congregation. In the courso of his sermon Canon Garland stated - that • the Bible was presented to tho King, was used in the Courts of Justice, was available to the prisoners in the gaols, yet was excluded from our State schools.