BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1932, Page 6

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

DEBATE IN COUNCIL. WELLINGTON, October IS. Continuing the debate on the Religious Instruction in Schools Enabling Bill in the Council to-day, th e Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, said it was indiscreet for a private member to introduce a Bill of such a controversial nature. Legislation of a national 1 character and of national policy should be introduced by the Government, which was composed of God-fearing men who were just as anxious to protect the welfare of the children as anyone else. There was an onus on the promoters of the Bill to prove that the moral and intellectual standard oh New Zealand children was inferior to that of children’ taught, under other systems. Though they had inferred that they had not proved it. The Hon. C. J. Carrington said that a child in order to be safeguarded against the perils of the world needed the protection of religion, but ithe Bill was a poor safeguard for the child. Undenominational teaching was (a distinct danger to Christianity. The real solution o r i. sound religious education m State schools was the Nelson system, and the Billie in Schools League would accomplish more than it could bv the Bill if .it put its energies behind the Nelson system. He had decided to support the 'Bill until that morning, when he realised the great, difficulties which had to be overcome. The passage of the measure would impose grave disabilities on teachers, and he intended to move in the committee stage to make 'provision for the right of . appeal by teachers who considered they had been victimised. Even that amendment would not overcome the difficulties and h e intended t 0 vote against the. measure. iSir William Hall Jones said there was necessity in the world for morc obedience to the teachings of Christ. If Christ’s teachings had been followed there, would have been no war and the present troubles would not have followed. Ho did not object to a more 'simplified system of religious instruction than was proposed in the Bill. The debate was adjourned till Wednesday, on ithe motion of the Hon. G. J. Smith.