The Bible in Schools.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7319, 12 June 1902, Page 4

The Bible in Schools.

(-"-■ en.. A.KOKiutlo'n

Oamaru, Juno 10. A plebiscite has just been taken of the electors in Oamaru electorate on the question of Bible-reading in schools. Voting papers v. ore distributed and co!I. eti-d by worker, in connection with all the churcbes in tho electorate. 2G37 persons voted in favour and I_7 against, whilo S5 declined to stnic tbeir opinion. The number on the roll at the last election was 40S0. Actually 6S per cent of iho roll voted in favour of Bible-reading. The Oamaru Presbytery, as tho General Assembly Committee on Bible-reading in schools, to-day resolved that after the result of this plebiscite they strongly recommend tbat similar plebiscites bo taken throughout tho colony and if similar results are obtained,, ttiat in every electornto tbe question be made a test at next election. Tho vote, it was stated, was taken with cave. Tho large number of abstinonts from voting was dvo in part to only one adult in each house signing.

lesterday a young man named Woolct was brought to the hospital from Shannon, suffering from au injury to hi _ knoo. Tho injury was sustained through Woolet falling on his axo, while engimed in bushfc-lling. By a recent mail Mr H. J. Manson received a letter from Capt. Bruce Beale, written as tho troopship Devon was approaching Durban Tho wi-iicr recounts ihe terrific storm the troopship oucoutitere'd a f_w days after leaving New Zealand, which he states, was perhaps felt worse by tbo horses. Tho latter wero falling by dozens, and all hands were ordered to stand by them throughout the night. Tho mon were m a sad plight, for many were undergoing their first experience on board ship, whilst all were drenched to the skin. Not only were twenty-three horses killed, but a large proportion were badly injured. At Sydney men and otlicrrs weic lakcn round tlie harbour in launches-, Capt. Bcalo's I Darty including Mr Ashton Kay, an old Palmerstouian. Tho writer culo'.sed both .dicers and men of tho contingent. Ho considered they were a f'mo body of men, aud well behaved, and all were eager to get into the field. Tho officers included two or three veterans, amongst them being a surgeon who held the Crimean and Turkish medals, "