DAY SCHOOLS AND MORALS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5095, 23 July 1877, Page 3

DAY SCHOOLS AND MORALS.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES.

Sir, —The writer holds, with thousands more, that it is no work of any Government to teach or uphold any denominational religion. But while such religious teaching would be out of place, there is a matter which in this largely discussed question seems generally lost sight of, viz., that midway (shall we say) between secular and religious instruction lies moral instruction, and if the Bible is to be ■wholly and entirely shut out of the school then the children’s morals must degenerate; for is it not undeniable that the teachings of this sacred Book are the only reliable foundation of true and pure morality. Nor can it be denied that the morals of a people do most assuredly affect and concern all Governments, for law is far better, and cheaper too, maintained where the morals of the young are watched and guided. In conclu-ion, sir, does it not seem reasonable that the Holy Scriptures—for reading onlyshould hold some place in the school hours? Say the first-hour on Monday morning and the concluding half-hour on Fridays, to be read only, without comment. The two opportunities would serve for children whose parents might object, to stay from the schools during the two occasions named.—l am, &c., Patriot. Auckland, July 12.