BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1928, Page 4

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

ANOTHER TRIAL, OF . STRENGTH. (Lyttelton.. “Times” Correspondent). WELLINGTON, July 30. Tills week’s political battle is on the subject of the Religious Exercises .in Schools Bill, and will commence ■Oil Wednesday night, when 3Jr Holland (Christchurch North) will move the second reading of his former measure on the subject, which has been slightly amended. There is every probability, of an all night sitting, because the Bill’s opponents have not abated, their opposition in the slightest as a result of amendments in the measure. They succeeded last session in getting the Bill postponed for six months, “in Order that the promoters may have the opportunity of considering the application of the Nelson system as recommended by the Education Committee.’’ The majority for this delaying amendment was five, the ayes being 36 and the noes 31.

As far as can be ascertained no member has changed liis views in tlie interim, and it looks as if the Bill in its present form cannot get past the Lower House, so that the perils awaiting it in the Legislative Council need not be discussed. Native schools have been omitted from the scope of the Bill, but opponents confidently count again on the support of the four Native members. Stone-walling tactics may be expected on the second reading, and if the Bill gets into committee it lias two amendments awaiting it. One, to be moved by-Mr Atniore- (Nelson), is an amendment to. the main Education Act, which would take away from the controlling authorities of primary schools the power to prevent any duly accredited representative of a Christian church, approved by the Minister of Education, from giving Bible lessons outside compulsory school hours. The second amendment, promoted by Mr Hudson (Motueka), provides for school committees making a choice that the Nelson system shall operate in their schools.

Though both amendments come from what may bo termed the “Nelspii school,” those who support Mr Atmore’s proposal strongly object to Mr Hudson’s amendment, on the ground that it will throw the Bible in schools controversy into school committee elections.

Both sets of opponents are against the present Bill unless it can be changed as they desire. This was made clear to a representative of the “Lyttelton Times” by Mr Atniore. who was asked if the amendments made in this session’s draft of the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill can meet former objections. “No,” he replied, emphatically. “I stand for the maintenance of free, secular, compulsory education, v ith every opportunity for voluntary instruction under the Nelson system, which has worked successfully over thirty years in the Nelson district and is approved by the Auckland branch of the Teachers’ Institute, also teachers at Hamilton and Whangarei. Ihe objectionable portions of the old Bill have been retained, consequently 1 cannot see how any member of the Up me rin vote differently from the way which lie voted hist session.