THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 13 May 1913, Page 2

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

(To tlio Editor.)

Sir, 1 think it is up to our liiends. the Hible in Schools supporters, to come out into \j)v open

and discus* the subject, instead of going from bouse to house asking our women-folk to sign a pledge, on the door-step, without any time for

mature reflection. The advocates of the Bible in Schools movement are agitating for a popular referendum en the question. Now. 1 contend that a referendum would be a most unjust measure, insomuch as the religious beliefs of the coninninitv are concerned. If it be allow-

(1 that this question be decided by •i re'erendiim. then in the name of fill that is consistent, why not take :i popular vote on the question of compelling everyone to attend a particular place of worship, and to conform to the religious beliefs and •ibservanees of one particular denomination : in other words, to for')i<l. under penalties, the practice of any form of religion other than that 'if the majority for the time being? f care not whether it be Anglican, Presbyterian. Roman Catholic, or any other. I shall not insult your intelligence hy arguing the futility of such a measure, as it stands selfcondemned. It appears that the Anglican. Methodist and Presbyter-' ian Churches have at last come to n working agreement as to what -will satisfy them in the matter of Bible < each ing in schools, and in their preposterous arrogance they are prepared to flout, and disallow the conscientious rights of other denominations. Their attitude is something after this style: we are satisfied with a certain arrangement, and if vou do not like if. then get out. Mv own personal opinion nil out this Bible in .School question is this: 'Hie authorities of the above-named throe denominations, persuaded that 'he vast majority of public school teachers are members of their sects. Miey rely upon them to further the interests of that trinity of .sects at the expense of the whole of the taxpayers of the dominion. If any me of the above sects thought it was strong enough to carry Its own pet scheme, it would certainly do so. hut realising t]t;it alone, it would •wit have a hope, they comhine. for to them "half a loaf is better than "("it 1 nf. all." To prevent the blighting influence of sectarianism ".elting a foothold into our schools, which it cerlainlv would if Bibleteaching were introduced. 1 would '-'o further and abolish the riiiht of "titrv. and prohibit, anv minister J religion from entering the schools. to give religious instruction to the "ui>ils, on (he ground that this Irnfting together of certain pupils. tor instruction, accentuates the sectarian differences of the pupils, and s a menace to the good-understand-im: and friendly feelings that should 'xisf between scholars of the same •chool. irrespective of their different •eligious beliefs. 1 care not what hey have don,. ,',, ]\> u - .South "Wales/ »■ Queensland, although in the hit-' er .State only twenty-five per cent.

of those on the rolls voted on the question of Rihle-in-NVhools, when it was put to ;i referendum ; and moreover, the issue w>as put in such ii way sis would necessitate a lMiiladelphi.au liuvyer to comprehend itf'iiiujii G;irlaiid has stated that if it '"'" '•<' proved that his scheme would inflict the slightest injustice to nny- ""?■ Unit he was forthwith prepared lo abandon it: hut although repeatedly challenged to make good his offer on a public platform, he has so far. like "Brer Rabhit."' lain low iind ivfu.sed a reply to his challen-

v i's. A call upon all fair-miiide;! men and uonion who love justice and religious freedom to scjuelcli this ill-omened reptile of sectarianism which is rearing its slimy head amongst us under the patronage ;md auspices of the Bihle in Schools league.-■• Yours, etc.. LIBERTY.

•A WKAK-KXKKD .JKLLV FISH

(To the Editor). •"■iii , . lam real sorry to read the heading over one of your locals in to-day's issue referring to a Cabinet Ministor. and (rust there j s some mistake: certainly .1 have no recollection of hearing such an expression at the council table. Tf such words were used it must have been n lapsus linguae in the heal- of debate on thn p:irl. of the councillors. - Yours, etc.. ONE OE THEM. Shannon. ]2th May. ]f)l3. \\\~c accept the explanation that reniiirK-s» was :\ lapsus linguae. ' —Editor. ChronicU'.i