BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2118, 28 June 1907, Page 2

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

POSITION AT KAITI.

THE SCHEME APPROVED

The Rev. F. W. Chatterton attended the meeting of the Kaiti School Committee last night for the purpose of addressing the committee on the question of Bible instruction. This subject was taken first, and the rev. gentleman rose and expressed his views. It was unwise lie thought to press the matter and he Would have wished to defer the question until the attendance was larger. He interviewed a large number of Catholic parents as).to their views and asked if they would withdraw their children, hut' they.- with only one exception, were agreed. If they felt they were being deprived or the half hour, Miss Eaubert would be willing to give half ail hour out of her own time. The classes in the central and Mangapapa schools had worked , successfully and no children were withdrawn and no difficulties had arisen, and he was of opinion that the same would he said of Kaiti. He was willing to answer any questions. In reply to the Chairman, the Rev. Chatterton said there were 15 voluntary teachers who gave the lessons decided upon during the half hour. It did not' mean the closing of the school half an hour later ill the afternoons, but the half hour was taken from the syllabus. It was proposed that the teachers would he Mrs. Col. Porter, Mrs. Dr. Hughes and Mr. F. Long. . : Mr. Fyson explained his attitude as lie said ho had been misrepresented. He was not in favor of the idea at one time hut he held different views now. He thought at. least it could he given a trial. The Rev. Chatterton said the chil-

dren themselves did not use _ the books, but the teachers spoke in "an explanatory' way, and were allowed discretion. The Chairman was in favor of the Bible as a classic. The Kaiti school was not on the same footing as the town school. Some of the children had a long way to come. Mr. Fyson proposed that, the scheme be given a trial. He was decidedly in favor of the scheme.

The secretary seconded. Mr. Hay said lie had heard that- it would have made a great difference to t-lie attendance, but after the explanation of the Rev. -Chat-terton he was in favor.

The motion was put and carried unanimously, the Rev. Chatterton to make arrangements with the headmaster.

' Upon this decision being arrived at the rev. gentleman retired and the ordinary business was proceeded with. ' \