CORRESPONDENCE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 March 1913, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

.Our correspondents' opinions are tlie.ir own; the responsibility of the editorial ones makes sufficient ballast for tho Editor's shoulders.) Till'; HI 151,1': IN SCHOOLS. (To the Editor). •Sir.- In your last night's issue. "I'ndeeidetl" asks what is the difference between the ''Nelson system'' of Hible rending in schools and what is known as the New South "Wales system, now being agitated for in New Zealand. The Nelson system, sir. provides that ministers, or other accredited representatives of the churches, may enter the schools dining schools hours ('generally not more than half-an-hour of school time is taken per week) and give religious instruction. Hut this system, though heartily recommended by those who have taught under it, has not been very widely taken up. The reason of this is not far to seek. There is a pronounced difference of opinoon among Education Hoards and School Committees as to whether this entry of the schools for avowedly religious purposes is permissible under the Act. and some boards frown upon and ban the system in the schools under their jurisdiction. Now the "New South Wales system" gives "legal" right to the ministers to enter the schools for the purpose of doctrinal instruction (when the parents are agreeable to such teaching for their children), and also provides for tin; reading ol' Scripture, under control of the board teachers, with simple historical but non-theological explanations by the teachers so as to make the lesson understood. This is hardly more dillicult tor the teachers (if at all; than the teaching of history, for any intelligent teacher can instruct children in history which touches on party politics without showing Liberal or Conservative bias, or going into the economic question that underlie so much history- lint this merely is to show what is designed under the Now South Wales system : and not to enter into controversy, which I have no present intention of doing.— Yours, etc., A. a RANDERSON. The Manse, Levin. March 18 th. 15)13.