NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1161, 21 October 1913, Page 2

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Tiik Bible-in-Scfaools League, for months past, has been agitating for a referendum as to whether the Bible shall be re-introduced into our State schools. Meetings in favour of the proposal have been held throughout the Dominion, followed by counter demonstrations, while the press have published columns of criticisms on the subject. Deputations representing both parties have also waited upon the Premier, the one asking that legislation be passed giving the people the tight to decide the question, while the opposing faction, represented by the Schools Defence League and Catholic party, urge that the Stale schools continue strictly secular. The agitation has had the effect of stirring up a certain amount ox sectarian bitterness in the larger centres, while the Government so far has not disclosed its hand. It must not be forgotten that while the present system excludes religious instruction from the school curriculum it does not debar representatives of any religion from using the school for such purposes before or after school hours. Tonight, in the Masonic Hall, the Rev Mr Rosher, of Palmerston N., will put the case for the Bible-in-Schools patty before the local public, and an invitation is extended to opponeuts to also air their views.