THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 87, 7 December 1912, Page 8

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

DEFENCE LEAGUES FORMED. (Per Press Association.) Christchurch, December 6. At a meeting attended by fifty, including several ladies, and composed chiefly of public school teachers, if was decided that a league bo formed in Christchurch to oppose the platform of the Bible in Schools League, and to support the present system of free secular and compulsory education. Officers were appointed, Mr. J. Caughley, M.A., being elected president. The following is the basis of the platform referred to a committee to draw up the League’s platform 1. While recognising the value of the Bible and of religion, we maintain that the policy proposed by the Bible in Schools League is opposed to civil and religious liberty, and is a menace to our national system of education. 2. We therefore pledge ourselves to defend the present national secular system of education. 3. We also pledge ourselves to resist the proposal to take a referendum on a question which’ deals with religion and liberty of conscience.

Wellington, December G. A largely attended public meeting in the Town Hall to-night, presided over by the Mayor, decided to form a National Schools Defence League, to defend the existing national system ot education. The following resolutions were passed:—!. That this meeting is of opinion that there should be no departure from the existing free, secular and compulsory system (f State education. 2. As the proposals of the Bible in Schools League raise issues involving, both for parents and teachers, matters of conscience, this meet-i ing is of opinion that no such issues should be determined by means of a general plebiscite or referendum.