BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 29 November 1911, Page 3

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

A REFERENDUM ON THE NEW

SOUTH WALES SYSTEM

TO THE EDITOR. Sir. —As the question of Bible reading in State schools is . constantly being raised at political meetings in an indefmate form, I respectfully beg to suggest that this important question be put in the following form (written down if possible) to political candidates, viz., " Would you, if returned to Parliament, vote on every occasion for a Bill which would permit a Referendum to be taken on the question of allowing Bible instruction in State schools, under the .system in vogue in New South Wales for the past 20 years ?" The following is a copy of the New South Wales Act: Clauses 7, 17, and 18 provide : Clause 7: The School Teacher in school hours gives selected Bible lessons from a book provided for the purpose, but is not allowed to give sectarian teaching- , Clause 17 : Any minister of religion is entitled in school hoursV on days to be arranged with the School Committee, to give childre]! of his own denomination, separated from others, an hour's religious instruction. Clause 18 : Any parent may withdraw his child from all religious teaching if he objects to such religious instruction being given. The above simply asks for a. " Referendum" on the question of allowing a scripture text book , (not the whole Bible) to be used |in our State schools, in order that" our children may obtain some kiiowledgo of tho Bible, which is the greatest classic and the I best text book on morals. I Without a doubt there is in the rising generation 1. A disregard for the sanctity of marriage, hence the increase of divorce among our young people. 2. A want of the sense of moral obligations to parents, honoe the number of old people in receipt of charity. 3. A sinful waste of bread which is thrown into the city dust bins every day, or burnt up in. the stoves. 4. A want of chivalry towards womanhood. 5. A poverty of language. 6. Aii ignorance of tho history of the religion of tho country, and of the ten commandmentn. 7. Increase of perjury, %. Disregard cft-iie Sabbath. A knowledge of the Bible would correct all the above failings. It is deplorable that the majority-of our protestant clergy, who numborover 1000 in New- Zwtand, have for th,e, iast 30 years been so apathetic on this question of the religious instruction of our children. I am, otc,, A Young IS(ew- 7/Balander.