BIBLE IN SCHOOLS REFERENDUM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 863, 9 July 1910, Page 2

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS REFERENDUM.

A circular issued by the Wellington Householders’ Teague repeats some of the arguments used in the past to support the plea for a referendum on the Bible in Schools question. The circular mentions doctors’ and school teachers’ opinions, and European

and American methods in favour of Bible reading. The result of the Queensland referendum in favour oi Bible reading is emphasised. Here is the most important portion of the circular :—“ In Canada, at Ontario, the Bible is read daily. The ten commandments must be repeated once a week. At Saskatchewan, the Board may permit religious instruction in schools. In New Brunswick the Bible is read in schools. In New South Wales the Irish National School Scripture Besson Books are read. In Tasmania instruction iti sacred history is imparted. lu West Australia the Scripture lessons are given orally, and to impress the value of the Scriptures as a basis of moral instruction the ten commandments and the Lord’s prayer are taught. In South Australia religious instruction is optional. In England the Bible is read. In Ireland, either the Douay Testament or the authorised version is read, and each school is furnished with a “ Ten Commandments Tablet,” to be hung on the wall. In Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Bible is read daily. In Austria two hours per week are devoted to religious instruction. In Belgium two hours are given to moral instruction per week. In Prussia four hours per week, in Berlin four hours per week, in Hamburg two hours per week. Germany banished the Bible from her schools, but has now restored it. In France moral instruction is given for three hours a week. In Cape Colony the Bible is read daily. In the Orange River Colony Bible history is taught. In Egypt the Koran is read daily, and scholars are taught the necessity of religion to man. In Japan morals and industry are taught.” A meeting of those interested in this question will be held in the Presbyterian Church to-morrow, at 8.15 p.m., when the subject will be discussed. We have yet to be convinced that the State is to usurp the work of the Church.