BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 974, 15 November 1910, Page 6

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

WHICH SYSTEM IS THE BETTER? VIEWS OP GENERAL ASSEMBLY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Auckland, November 14. The question of Bible-reading in schools was discussed at tho General Assembly of tho Presbyterian Church of New Zealand to-day. The Moderator (Mr. J. H. M'Kenzie) presided.

Tho Auckland Presbytery presented an overture urging a pronouncement in favour of the New South AVales system of religious instruction, providing:—(l) That the school teacher snail, during school hours, give selected Biblo lessons from a piepared text book; (2) any minister of religion, or his accredited representative, may give special religious instruction to tho children of his own church, apart from the others, for an hour daily on such days as may be arranged with the school committee; (3) any parent who objects may,withdraw his child from all religious teaching. In moving the overture, the Eev. A. Miliar declared that the Nelson system was only a fragment of a system, whereas tho New Soutli Wales system was comprehensive. It had been amended with successful results, and it was something worth striving for. The Hev. I. Jolly seconded the overture. He was of opinion that the Now South AVales. system was more likely to unite the forces of the religious people of the Dominion thun any other proposal. It would gain the_ support of practically the whole of the' Anglicans, Methodists ,and Presbyterians. The Bible-Eeacjing-in-Schools Committee reported that it was gratifying to find that, in those schools in which the Nelson system was in operation, the work had gone on regularly and with every sign of good, results. Jn many places practically the whole school was in attendance, while those engaged in the work enjoVed the hearty sympathy and help of the teaching staff, some member of which' usually remained in the class room while the lesson was being given. The committee regretted to learn that three prominent boards—Auckland, Wellington, and North Canterbury—had not yet seen their way to make provision for establishing Scripture classes within reasonable hours. The Anglican Synod, and at least two Presbyteries, had passed resolutions in favour of the New South Wales system of Bible reading. ' The committee had not considered this "matter very carefully, but was of the' opinion that, however good and desirable this system may be, it was not likely to be secured for many a day. The committee' submitted the following deliverance:—Adopt the report; express gratitude that the Nelson • system of Bible-reading is being adopted by increasing numbers.of ministers and Christian workers of all Protestant denominations; thank all those boards of education, committees, and headmasters who have granted facilities for carrying on tho work; express regret .that the boards of Auckland, Wellington, and North Canterbury have not seen their way to grant our very reasonable request; urge ministers and elders to co-operate with all who wish to see the Education Act so amended as to include the reading of a simple portion of the Word.of God at the opening of the school, and again commend to them" the great desirability of endeavouring to establish classes where none at present exist. "

The E«x. R. J. Porter (convenor of the committee) reviewed the essential features of the report in moving its adoption, and stated that the fault of the absence of. Bible- instruction classes was largely duo to the ministers of religion. (General dissent.) Hβ this contention, and declared that many ministers had. not made a serious effort. to find ..the entrance to the public schools under the Nelson 6ystem.. Ministers -offered excuses for their neglect by' saying that they were too busy, but, while ho admitted that ministers -were kept fully occupied, they wore often engaged, on work not half as important as Bible reading in schools. ...'.■'

The Rev. I. Jolly protested that 'the strictures passed by the Rev. Mr. Porter were a good deal.too strong. The Eev. W. Scorgie said,thai he believed iti ■ the Nelson system, but it did not give ministers a legal and assured standing, and they did not get a fair backing or the official support they were entitled to receive. ..-.■'...

The Kev. P. B. Praser suggested, that unless people showed more earnestness and, in some way, inilnenced education boards they would not get much further ahead. ' .

The report and deliverance -was adopted, and the discussion on the' Anckland Presbytery's overture was resumed. The Rev. E.. E. ■ Davies ■ moved the adoption of the overture, and the suggestions attached to it. Dr. Gibb, in seconding this motion, declared that the Nelson system vas entirely inadequate, while the New South Wales system was more likely, to receive support. Hβ urged the need for enthusiasm and unanimity, for, unless they were united, it was hopeless to expect a referendum being submitted to the.country. ...■■'■ Mr. W. S.' Etzgerald (ex-Inspector of Schools- in Otago) stated that the New South Wales system had been attended with successful results, but. pointed out that the conditions in New Zealand were different. He moved an amendment to the effect thai , the New South Wales system be considered by a committee to report to the Assembly the' modifications necessary to adapt the system to the conditions of the New Zealand public schools. ..-.''

Mr. Davies agreed to withdraw his mo•tion in favour of. the amendment, which was carried with the alteration that the committee report to presbyteries and sessions in six "months, and the report be considered at next Assembly.