THE BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS QUESTION.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1674, 14 February 1913, Page 3

THE BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS QUESTION.

VIEWS OF METHODIST CONFERENCE. INTERESTING DISCUSSION. HOSTILE AMENDMENT REJECTED •BY 115 TO 26. . When the conference of the New Zealand Methodist Church met last evening, Canon Garland delivered an address on the Bible-in-schools question. He denied tho suggestion that the introduction of the Biblo in schools was the thin end of the wedge to denoininationalism. There was, he said, no opposition from any quarter where the system existed, except that quarter which was opposed to the national system of »State. education all through. They had met with continual protests, and particularly from ' quarters where there had been talk of a godlessness of the State system. He concluded by pointing out that there was absolutely no danger of proselytism under the sys: tem proposed by the Bible-in-Schools League. Tho parents were the controlling authority, and consequently there could bo none. (Applause.), , The Rev. Mr. Lewis moved the following motion:— -

On the evidence of high authorities in the States where it has been, adopted as to the satisfactory and beneficial working of tho Australian system of Bible-teaching in State schools, the conference expresses its approval' of tho same, and resolves-to co-operate with other religious bodies in securing those benefits to. the children of tho Dominion; but holding that the people of New Zealand should first say whether they desire this or not, will, support the' appeal to Parliament for a referendum to enablo them to give this decision. ■ Mr. Lewis said that this question was one of vital importance (to the conference. Tho introduction of tho Bible into the State schools led to good citizenship. They wanted the children to be taught to speak tho truth, and to be honest, and the introduction of the Bible would do this. He had had experience of the system, and had not found any danger ,of proselytism. , The Rev. G. H. Mann seconded the motion, and in doing so said that he would not have supported it a year ago, but his travels had changed his views. The Rev. A. J. Seainer moved as an amendment: . That in the opinion of this conference the question of the Bible in schools should bo distinctly separated from that of sectarian instruction in schools in the referendum. advocated by the Bible-in-Schools League, in or-. der that electors who favour one only of these proposals may not be dis- - franchised.. , Dogmatic instruction, ho said, would be brought about by the entry of the ministers to Schools, and he considered-that dogmatic instruction was not -good ; for children, 'He had great iaitk in the Bible, and he would like to see it read everywhere. The amendment was seconded by the Rev. H. J. Haslain, who said that there was no doubt that a referendum must come. We should not put anything in the way of having a referendum established. There was considerable difference of opinion amongst the general public. ' If the system of the league were accepted by tlie people of New Zealand lie would bo glad to do all ho could to see it carried out.

The Rov. J. W. Burton considered that they should separate tho two principles in the platform' presented >by. tho league. The system in New South Wales had not been a success. The. ministers'thero had availed themselves very little of the right of entry. • /' V Mr. E. Dixon, said that it would' be dangerous to interfere wij,h tho State cdu-. cation-system. They should devote moro time to Sabbath Ho expressed himself as being entirely against tho Bible-in-schools proposal. Tho Hon. C. M. Luke, M.L.C., said ho was not in favour of tho Bible-in-schools proposal.

The Rev. C. H. Laws said that he could not see why a system which worked admirably elsewhero could not Work here. It was a perfect system, of freedom. Tho system was free to the parents and the churches. . ■;

Mr. j. A. Fleslier said that mor'o than half the population of to-day-were growing up without any religious education. Ho quoted figures supporting his statement. He put-the-facts down to tlio prosent-day system of education. '■ , Dr. Youngman also spoke strongly in favour of the system. He considered that tho principle question was not that of .right of entry. The principle point was to get the Bible into . the schools. Ho .stressed the point that tho system in Australia worked most admirably.

. The amendment Was lost on the show of hands, the voting being as follows: For the amendment, 26; against, 115.

Tho Rev. jlr. Lewis's motion was put to tho conference, ai\d carried. The. conference then adjourned until 9 o'clock this morning.