SOUTH AFRICAN LAWS ON BIBLE READING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1254, 4 June 1914, Page 3

SOUTH AFRICAN LAWS ON BIBLE READING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

(To the Editor). Sir, —The following information concerning Bible reading in the public schools in the Union of South Africa is of interest just now : Transvaal Province. Schools open with prayer and Bible-read-ing. Conscience clause for scholars, but not for teachers. Syllabus is built from the London (Eng.) County Council Schools Scripture Syllabus. Scholars learn the Ten Commandments, etc. Natal Province.—Bible reading, with unsectarian explanation of text. All schools opened with prayer. There is a conscience clause. The Education Department supplies syllabus of Scripture reading, and urges that the map of Palestine should be used, and a few dat.es learnt. Scholars to read lesson and learn the Ten Commandments, etc.

Orange Free State Province. — Schools open with prayer and Bible reading. Teachers only to give instruction in Bible history. Conscience clause for children but not for teachers.

Cape of Good Hope province.— Every school under the control of the School Board, unless it be a school ol a non-Christian designation, shall be opened daily with the Lord’s Prayer and with the reading of a portion of the Bible ; but no pupil attending any such school shall be required to be present when this is done if the parent or guardian of such a pupil expresses in writing a wish to the contrary. The Education Department provides for each Standard a list of chapters of the Bible to be read.

Thanking you, sir, in anticipation, —I am, etc.,

S. Pearson. Wellington, June 2nd.