BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1082, 5 April 1913, Page 3

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

LOCAL TEAGUE FORMED

A meeting of sympathisers in connection with the Bible-ln-schools movement was held in the Masonic Hall last night. The lack of local interest in the matter was evidenced by the meagre attendance. The Rev Mr Thomson, in moving that Mr Hornblow occupy the chair, said that such position would not compromise him in the matter. The Chairman said in the past he had opposed any attempt to interfere with the present State system of Education —which was free, secular and compulsory. It did not encroach on the religious beliefs of the people, and fostered a spirit of comradeship among the children of all denominations, and assisted to kill the germ of bigotry. He did not think the morality of the children trained in the State schools was of a lower grade than those who had received their training in denominational schools. Be . that as it may, they could not shut their eyes to the fact that a wave .of materialism and indifference was becoming apparent, and such indifference was transmitted to the children. It seemed somewhat inconsistent that a Christian people and a nation whose constitution was based on Christian principles, should-make the Bible a sealed book to their schools. It was for the Bible-in-schools party to show that the Bible could be introduced into our schools without encroaching upon sectarian grounds. He did not think anyone could take exception to a referendum on the question. This, he understood, was what the Party was asking for. The Rev Mr Woodward moved that a branch of the Bible-in-State-Schools League of New Zealand be formed in Foxton, In speaking to the resolution, Mr Woodward said that a majority of the people must rule, and the people had a right to say whether there was a defect in the present system. He claimed there was in respect to ethical and religious teaching. The only perfect moral code the world had ever known was contained in the Bible. It set forth the life and teachings of the only Perfect Man, and no child’s education was complete without a knowledge of Jesus Christ. The New South Wales system, which the Teague sought to introduce into our State schools, would remedy this defect. There was a time when New Zealand was not ashamed to have the Bible taught in its schools, and they were now seeking its restoration. While they sought to do this, a conscience clause would be enacted, exempting all who had conscientious objections. Could anything be fairer?he asked. All sects would be treated fairly, and would be allowed equal facilities to teach their doctrines. He did not think it was fair or right that the secularists should have all their own way in this matter. We boasted that we were a Christian country —our national flag bore the emblem of the Cross of Jesus Christ, and yet the Bible was debarred from bur educational system. He deprecated the indifference on this great question which was apparent on the part of church people, and every effort must be put forth to arouse them from their' apathy. They should see to it that their children should have Christ set before them as their Ideal, Teacher Pattern, Saviour and Master. It was desired to form a strong local committee and arouse enthusiasm on this vital question, so that when the time for action comes it will be seen that Foxton will do its part. The Rev J. M. Thomson, M.A., in seconding the motion, said the Bible-in-schools question had been simmering for a long time, and they were now approaching a critical period. The party had now flung down the gauntlet, and were prepared to fight. If they lost this opportunity the chance may not come again. They desired a referendum on the question. The Government took upon itself, without reference to the people, to cast the Bible out of the ' schools, and they now demanded that the mind of the people'should be declared on the subject. The majority must, rule, provided the conscience of the minority was protected, and every precaution would be taken not to transgress conscientious objections. There was much work to be done if the battle is to be won, and he urged - those present to do their share in arousing’ the enthusiasm of their, fellows. The Rev Mr Coatsworth deprev cated the small attendance, but great movements had small beginnings. It was regrettable to think that they had no room for the Bible in their State schools. It was impossible for the Sunday school to come into touch with the hundreds of children who never entered, such institutions. Tt a referendum were taken it would be proved that a large majority would sanction the Bible being introduced into : the schools. He qupted the words of the; President of the United States on the importance of Bible knowledge as an essential to, a nation’s greatness, - and the utterances of Spencer and Huxley in support of Bible knowledge; He referred to the reasons of objectors to the movement, and said the secularists were but a noisy minority. He referred to the success of the movement in Australia. _ The motion was carried unanimously. - Mr Alex Speirs was elected President of the- League, subject . to his approval, and F. W. Frankland Esq., secretary. A representative committee was appointed,

with power to add, A vote of thanks to the Chair, and the pronouncing of the Benediction by the Rev Mr Woodward closed the meeting.