WISHES OF PARENTS ON BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 229, 16 December 1927, Page 16

WISHES OF PARENTS ON BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

PRIMARY SCHOOLS REMIT NELSON SYSTEM FAVOURED “In view of the recommendation of the Parliamentary Education Committee ‘that the Nelson system of Biblereading in schools be extended,’ the Auckland Primary School Committees’ Association recommends that committees should ascertain the wishes of parents on the subject, and where possible take steps to give effect thereto.” This remit was introduced to the Auckland Primary School Committees’ Association on Wednesday by the Maungawhau School Committee. Mr. G. Spooner and Mr. J. Mars both stated that it had been a success at Maungawhau, and in no way interfered with the work of the school. The remit was carried. In a reply to a letter from the association regarding representation on the Council of Education, the Hon. R. A. Wright, Minister of Education, stated that the Act provided for the appointment of no fewer than seven persons who were not necessarily teachers or departmental officers, four representatives of education boards, two of industrial and technical interests, and one specially interested in the education of girls. The representations of the association would receive careful consideration when any further appointments were made. So far from the council being in any way under the influence of the department, said the Minister, the evidence showed the reverse was the case. Only three members of the council were departmental officers, and the selection of 11 out of 17 members was quite beyond the control of the department. It would not be desirable to increase the membership, since if it was any larger it would tend to become unwieldy. A remit was received from the Taumarunui School Committee protesting against fining of teachers. The president, Mr. George Brownlee, moved that as Parliament had droppepd the proposal, no action be taken. On the question of whether it was advisable that school committees should be elected for two years in place of one, it was decided after lir-cu ; • that the present method be continued.