CORRESPONDENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1927, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE CHURCH WAR

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —| read with much interest your lender in the “ Hokitika Guardian ” * under tlio heading “A Church War.” I was surprised, however, to find that 1 instead of being as most of your lead- ' ers are unassuming and well informed, ' this one had about it an air of authority, and yet showed a lack of knowledge which if not unpardonable was at least unexpected. 1 In your opposition to the Bible-ill- f Schools you make several inaccurate t and misleading statements. For instance, in referring to the fact that I different classes would be handled by 1 different teachers of different denorni- 1 nations you say: ‘‘Such instruction as i may be attempted will grow bewilder- < ing.” You should know that what is < proposed in the Bill is not Bible teaching by the teacher, but Bible reading < fry the scholars. And no comment of 1 any kind is to be permitted except in i the case of words indicated—such, for example, as the word “ publican Y which it would be explained meant a tax collector. What is proposed is < Bible reading, with such explanation as above, given by all the teacbeis in i the same way. How could such instruction “grow bewildering”? Then you say “ We know the teach- < ers are generally opposed to the proposal.” What authority is there for that so confident “we know.” Hie evidence available shows that where the opinion of the teachers has been ascertained over a large area it is “ generally ” not against but in favour of the proposal. Your reference to “those scholars whoso parents are aliens or who might not bo professing a Christian religion ” are just ns wide of the mark. The Bill provides exemption for all such enses. Tlie truest statement in your leader is where you say “chief of all the views of the parents must be considered.” Y hat you wish your readers to infer is plainly that tlio parents are opposed to the proposal. During the past year a referendum of parents taken throughout the Dominion on the Bill showed -an overwhelming majority in its favour, proving that the great mass of the people are in favour of the Bible being • in our schools. This letter has not attempted to deal w ith the merits of this vexed question, but has only tried to correct some ...accuracies in your leader. Allow me, however, to express the opinion that the dire results yon predict o n Bible-in-Schools Bill should become law are like those foretold for the Summer Time Bill—imaginary; and that ti e Bible-in-Scliools would mean what the Summer Time Bill has .-ant-more light. I am glad to be able to agiec . with your opening statement about t “ taking the gloves off. Tll . ou -„ there is a good deal of “ smothering going on, the battle can very well be fought to a finish with the gloves on.

I am, etc., JOHN W. HAYWARD. The Manse, Hokitika. rOur correspondent hardly sustains his chargß~that we are not well informed as regards the statements conveyed in the article under notice. For instance he admits “ that Bible reading with such explanation,” etc., aie o 1 edven, which hears out that “ instruction will be attempted,” and the license being there, where is the limit to he? As to the teachers’ unanimity there is the decision of the Teachers Institute to bear out our contention. Regarding a referendum, it has yet to he revealed that the parents support the breakdown of the secular system of education, which has been rather the pride of the nation.—Ed. "G. .]