BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1833, 21 August 1913, Page 4

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Sir,—Mr. A. B. Atkinson, in his letter of August. 13, is so enamoured of the Nelson system that ho fails, likj the unrepentant twelfth' juryman, to seo the untenable sido of his position. In advocating that system (which is only, I understand, made uso of in a few city schools, and not in the country scihools), lie ignores the main objection to it—which has been very cjcai'ly stated by Canon Garland— and that is, that it is too sectarian in ils application to be generally and usefully adopted by the churches thronghouit the Dominion.' That is one of the reasons for the existence of the Bible-in-echools movement, which is supported by all tho principal Protestant Churches,, because it is the only way that the mischief under tho present" godless system can bo avoided without coercing anyone, Tho axlynntnge to the growing generation pf seeing tfl?

C'hurchcs working in friendly unison for its good sdiould also be considered. I notice that the Prime Minister, in his reply to tho deputation which waited upon him, made complimentary reference to Mrs. Atkinson's speech, which appears to have been dually in commendation of tho Nelson sectarian system; and immediately afterward-; he altirmed his detestation of anything ill tho .shape of sectarianism bang introduced into the schools! Might 1 suggest that "majorities must rule" would bi> the safe motto for any Government in these democratic days ?

The attitude of the Prime Minister cn this question up to Hie present is disappointing, and almost leads one to think that wo are to expect reform in everything but tho most important matter of all—tho quest ion of allowing our children to grow up in ignorance of tho great part WMiich tho Biblo has taken in bringing about the civilisation and Christianty of the world. —I am, etc.,

J. MARTIN. Martinborough, August 10, 1913.