BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4841, 15 June 1925, Page 2

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

POSITION IN PAEROA. NOT FAVOURED BY COMMITTEE. The annual request by the Citizens Biblc-in-Schools propaganda committee to support the Bible-in-Sclioois movement in New Zealand, togelhei with the Bill introduced by Mr Isitt, M.P., was again brought before the members of the Paeroa District High School Committee at its meeting on Saturday evening.

In mewing that the Bill be supported Mr "W. H. Blakeway said that in his youth he had attended a school where religious instruction had been given, and he was very much in favour of its universal adoption. To-day, unfortunately, there was an ignorance of the Scriptures among young people, and the ignorance of their Creator was appalling. It was only necessary to refer to Russia to realise the chaos that was inevitable if the' teaching .>f the Scriptures was ignored. It was all very well to say that it was the duty of parents to give their children religious instruction, but lie thought that many parents neglected such duty and the children were the sufferers. He considered that religious instruction in the State schools was very desirable.

Mr R. J. Thorp agreed, ami seconded the resolution.

Mr W. T. Power said that he was not prepared to move an amendment, but he did not .think the public school was. the proper place for religious, instruction, and he failed to- sec how such instruction could be carried otit satisfactorily by the teaching staff. Mr C. T. Mettam stated that he knew of Bible instruction being carried out in schools in a part of New South AValcs, aiid was confident that excellent results h.ad been obtained. He thought that the system should at least be given a trial. Mr W. Purdie contended that it was net a fair position to place teachers in, and considered that the homes and Sunday Schools, were the proper places for giving children religious instruction.

Mr A. E, Say said that it was desirable for . children to have a better knowledge of the Scriptures, but lie, too, failed to see how that end could be attained satisfatcorily in tlie public schools.

Mr F. T’. Eaddy concurred, and said that he -thoftght unnecessary distinction might arise. He failed to see why the Statie should seek a means of lifting the responsibility of religious teaching from the shoulders of parents.

On a show - of hands being taken Messrs Blake way, Tharp, and Mettam voted in support of the Bill and the chairman (Mr -C. H. Pascoe) and Messrs Power, Say. Eaddy, and Purdie voted against.