Bible in State Schools League of New Zealand

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 11 December 1912, Page 2

Bible in State Schools League of New Zealand

A meeting of the above was held in the Presbyterian Church, Helensville on Friday evening Dec. 6th, under the auspices of the above League. Mrs Dunningham, Secretary, of the League for the Country had arranged th<? meeting for the purpose of endeavouring to form a branch of the Women's League, but the organising Secretary of the Auckland Central Committee finding that he c nvld obtain the assistance of the Bey A. Miller of Edendale induced that genfcletnau to attend the meeting and give information as to the objects of the League thus giving great assistance to Mrs Dumningham. The meeting was opened with the Office drawn up by the League for that purpose and the Chairman Eev C. J. Merton briefly introduce Mr Miller, and who very carefully and thoroughly explained the objects of the League and the working of the system of Ecligious instructions it was desired should be used in our State Schools. TDe system he said was introduced into New South Wales in 1866, into Western Australia in 1893 into Norfolk Island in 1904, and into Queensland in 1910, and in all these countries bad worked satisfactorily. Lessons were read in school hours by ..the children themselves from scripture books provided by the Education Department ; State school teachers supervising, but not giving sectarian or dogmatic teaching. Visits during school hours by accredited teachers from churches instructing children in the faith of their fathers. At the conclusion of bis address Mr Miller said that he had come not only to assist in forming a branch of the Women's League, but if possible- to establish a branch of the " Bible in State Schools League in New Zea» land," in Helens ville, A number of questions were answered by Mr Miller and it was agreed that a branch of the League be formed. The Eev. C. J. Merton was elected president, Eev. Gordan<K'"rgan secretary, Mr Snook treasurer, and that the above named together with Messrs Caundle and McAdam be a committee. A branch of the Women's League was also formed, Mrs Oxiey being elected president, Mrs Caundle secretary, Mrs James Stewart treasurer, and these ladies with Mesdames Spooks, Merton, Hans and Miss McAdam as committee. A hearty vote of thanks was ten* dered to the Eev. A' Millei for his address and assistance, and the meeting was brought to a close with the singmg of a hymn and the Blessing,