"THE ROOT IN ALL THINGS"

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 30, 5 February 1913, Page 10

"THE ROOT IN ALL THINGS"

RELIGION Itf SCHOOLS. (B\* tliLE&ftAMl-'I'HESg ASSOCIATION,} CHRISTCHURCH. 4th February! The foundation stone of a new school in connection with St. Michael's Anglican Church was laid this afternoon by Bishop Julius. The new building, in stone, replaces a wooden structure. The school is the first primary school established in Canterbury, and dates from 1850. After referring to the aim of the Church in the early days of the settlement of the province to establish similar schools throughout the diocese, Bishop Julius said the principal factor towards tlie success of the school was the work of the teachers, many of whom turned from higher places and better opportunities elsewhere to carry on the work for the love of the school. He, as liishop of the diocese, said "ffll honour to these teachers. We churchmen have no quarrel with the Education Act of New Zealand. We believe it to be a very great and beneficial work. We believe that no individual body can do the work of the State in the education of the masses of New Zealand, but we de«re that the teaching of God be the root in all things." The Bishop went on to say that church people desired schools of their, own because in the first place there was an atmosphere about a church school that remained with the children trained within it 3 walls for their whole life. "We love that atmosphere," he declared, "because we believe it to be sound and good." Such schools where was taught a belief in God, the fear of God, and the love of God. These were the foundation vt life, otherwise dry-rot would set in. He knew schools like St. Michael's were the very nursery of the Church of God, and he hoped that from this school many good churchmen and churchwomen would come to do service oh behalf of God.