BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4474, 5 July 1930, Page 1

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

PROPOSED LEGISLATION. Wellington, July 3. The Bible in Schools League Bill to be introduced in the House of Representatives this session is now being submitted to the various interested organisations, and it eame before the Anglican ..Synod to-day. The chief provisions make the instruction in primary schools permissive rather than mandatory. The onus, is thrown upon the district education board as to whether religious instructions and observances are to take place or not. A syllabus of instruction is to be drawn up by the Education Department after consultation 'with the various religious denominations. 'The total time to be given to religious instructions and observances is not to exceed two hours per weeik, and no religious catechism or religious formulary, which is distinctive of any particular denomination is to be taught in schools in school hours, and no attempt is to be made to attach children to any pnrtieular denomination.

Roman 'Catholic children and teachers are exempt from all the provisions, and any other teacher who desides exemption from imparling- religious instructions is to ho granted it, school committees and headmasters being authorised to appoint teachers as required from outside.