PROPOSED BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1930, Page 5

PROPOSED BILL

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

(By Telegraph—Per PreßS Association.)

WELLINGTON, July 3

The Biblo-in-Scliools League’s Bill to be introduced in the House this session is now being submitted to various interested organisations and came before the Anglican Synod to-day. The chief provisions make instruction in primary schools permissive, rather than mandatory. The onus is thrown upon district Education Boards as to whether religious instruction and observances are to take place or not. The syllabus of instruction is to be drawn up by the Education Department after consultation with various re/l'igious denominations. (Hie total time to be given to religious instruction and observances is not to exceed two hours per week, and no religious catechism or religious formula which is distinctive of any particular denomination, is to be taught in a school in school hours, and no attempt is to be made to attach children to any particular denomination. Roman Catholic children and teachers are exempt from imparting religious instruction, which is to be granted, school committees and headmasters being authorised to appoint teachers as required from outside,