THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 54, 20 October 1914, Page 7

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

EVIDENCE BEFORE THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. [Pbb Pbebi Association.] Wellington* October 19. The Education Committee continued the hearing of evidence this morning against the Religious Instruction in Schools Bill, when the cross-examin-ation of Rev. 1). C. Bates was concluded. Rev. ]). C. Cook said the Methodist Church supported the platform of the League. As the result of long experience, the Australian system had given general satisfaction wherever tried. Difficulties had not arisen through the right of entry or from teachers. Proselytism was unknown. There was hostility from the Catholic

hierarchy, but no serious attempt, tvas made to alter the. system, ffh'e lessons did not cause sectarian strife, tnd did not disturb denominational oyalty among Ministers. He had

been a N pupil under the New South Wales system, and derived great benefit. Small denominations did not suffer from • the system. Teachers and inspectors in jNew South Wales were confident, and many were en-

thusiastic concerning the moral value of lessons which was apparent. ' At least 70.000 children in New Zealand were outside the pale of Sunday schools, and a large proportion of the remainder were irregularly instructed. For those reasons all in favor of Sunday School work should be heart and soul with the effort to bring Bible teaching into the State schools.