BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1605, 23 November 1912, Page 14

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

Sir,—l notice that Canon Garland would havo it that the Biblc-in-Schools League do not approve of the Scottish system of Bible-in-schools. Let me, however, point out that the Scottish system is exactly what Canon Garland and his friends do want; only they are infinitely less generous and just than the Scottish people in connection with this movement. Scottish State education is undenominationalthere can be no disputing that fact. Tho Stat® takes no _ cognisanco whatever of such religious teaching, as there is, in the Scottish schools. The ' Bible and also the "Shorter Catechism" (as a rule) are in use in the schools every morning for half an hour or so. There is a conscience clause for Catholics and others who disapprove of "undenominational" use of the Bible. The instruction is really undenominationally Protestant—and that is what Canon Garland and his friends would seem to want here. Now, in Scotland, probably 95 percent of the Catholic children, living in the country, attend the State schools, taking advantage of tho "conscience" clause. In the cities the Catholics run their own schools, and rooeivo a State subsidy. They receive for . each pupil the same amount of capitation as the State schools, provided they submit to inspection by the State inspectors and .give a satisfactory account, of themselves. I have no doubt whatever that the Catholics of New Zealand would be amply satisfied if Canon Garland and his friends would consent to' introduce tho Scottish system into New Zealand. I personally would bo very sorry indeed should that system be introduced here. ■I have hatl a long experience of it; and while I am prepared to admit that the use of the Bible in the Scottish schools is on the whole "salutary" bo far as tho children, are concerned (notwithstanding the use of sectarian nick-names, etc.) the evils and'abuses in connection with the management'of schools and the appointment of teachers are such as to render the conditions under which the teachers live and work well nigh intolerable. Tho School Boards throughout Scotland are almost invariably run on Church "tickets"—and that is what would, inevitably happen in New Zealand should Canon Garland' and his friends have their way. I could fill your columns, Mr. Editor, for some time to come, with accounts of the painful experiences of! Scottish teachers under'the influence of sectarian factions. Subject to your indulgence,-1 shall deal, in. a few days, with some of. the extravagant statements made-by Canon Garland all over the country.—l am, etc.. HUGH MACKENZIE. • Norember'2l, 1912, Sir,—ln your issue of November 20 appears an extract from the "Glasgow Herald" sent in by Mr. Mackenzie. Perhaps you will allow me to add some little col- j ouring matter to it. It seems to have gone the rounds of most of the newspapers in Britain, now it appears in New. Zealand, ,and is quoted to back up the attitude that the opponents of the Bible-in-schools League have taken up. Mr. . Mackenzie, should krjow that there is no comparison' >in the two oases. ■ He should know also that under the board schools in Scotland these schools are practically Presbyterian. Ministers'of the Presbyterian: .Churches ' are appointed every year to examine the children in religious Knowledge, else what would be the reason for the Soman Catholic Church and also the Episcopal Church supporting their own schools? The Roman Catholic Church have something like--200 schools of their own. Now this particular- case mentioned by Mr. Mackenzie would lead some people to-believe that this, teacher has suffered a/hardship. I fail to seo it, as when it is boiled down it resalves itself to this:-That she very well knew the likely consequences, and also knew that the duties required of her by this hoard were bound to -run up against her. change, of religion. - Now, I should like-Mr. Mackenzie . to state ,if he thinks that tho managers of 3 the Koman Catholic 'schools; would con- 1 tinue the services ofYa' T teaclief' in' 'their, schools if lie or she renounced the Bo'ma'n Catholic Church, and joined any other Church ? My own opinion is there is not ranch doubt of the course that would be : taken. Mr. Mackenzie should know that under th 6 circumstances here there is not the '.remotest chance of such ' a state of -things happening in New. Zealand. To my mind, the Roman Catholic Church, headed by Bishop Cleary, of Auckland, backed up by a few of Mr. Mackenzie's view, is fighting a rearguard action, and making all the smoke they can to cloud the real issue. If they arc so confident of their foroes, why not claim the use of the referendum to dccide the issue?. , While on this subject, I should like to draw the attention of trade unionists, and particularly the United Labour party, to the attitude token up by their fellow Labour party in Britain. As the "Church Times" points out,'in former years it used to be a regular plank in the Trades Union Congress to support secular education in the schools. The standard of revolt, however. to .their credit lie it said, was raised by Roman Catholic members of the unions, and in particular those in Lancashire. The result of their emphatic protest is an order from trade -union lieadouarters prohibiting the introduction of this question of the teaching in the schools at themo?tings of the unions. If, as was threatened, the Roman Catholics had withdrawn from an organisation, tho principles of which were in violent conflict with their own, this loss of saich adherents would have been serious indeed. Sectarianism must no longer count on the official support of trade unionism." Now, sir, you will see that latitude counts for a lot in these times.—l am, etc., THOS. M. MILLIGAN. November 21, 1912.