METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 39, 14 February 1913, Page 8

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

MILITARY TRAINING. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, February 13. The Methodist Conference to-night discussed the compulsory military training question at some lengtli anu finally a resolution favouring arbitration for settlement of internatioiia' disputes and protesting against compulsory military training as a serious reflection on the patriotism of the people of the Dominion formed the basis of debate. Eventually it was put in two parts, the first relating to arbitration being adopted and the second (against military training) re jected. The Conference re-affirmed last year’s resolution, urging the Go vernmerit to insert a conscience clause in the Defence Act. THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. Wellington, February 13. At the Methodist Conference tonight a discussion arose on tile Bible in schools question. The Rev. J. J. Lewis moved, and the Rev. G. H. Mann seconded, the following motion: “On the evidence of high authorities in States where it has been adopted, as to the satisfactory and beneficial working of the Australian system of Bible-teaclnng if State schools, this conference expresses its approval of the same, and resolves to co-operate with other religious bodies in securing these benefits to the children of the Dominion, but holding that the people of New Zealand should first say whether t.iey dcsiro this or not, will support an appeal to Parliament for a referendum to enable them to give their decis on,’ The Rev. A. J. Soanier moved, ml the Rev. J. H. Haslam seconded, the following amendment: 1 hat in the opinion of this conference, the question of the Bible in schools should be distinctly separated from that of sectarian. instruction in schools, in tin referendum advocated by the Bible if. Schools League, in order that die electors who favor one only of these proposals may not be disfranchi md. A long discussion followed, and tin amendment was defeated by 115 ote? to, 23. The motion was then carried on tV voices.