BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 525, 30 November 1928, Page 9

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

PRESBYTERIANS’ SUPPORT END OF SESSION IN SIGHT Continued allegiance to the platform of the Bible-in*Schools League was expressed by the Presbyterian General Assembly yesterday, and all ministers were exhorted to make use of the Nelson system. The report of tho Biblo-in-Schools Committee was presented by the Rev. J. Paterson, of Wanganui. Of the defeat of the Bill in Parliament the report stated the trouble was that while those who were determined to keep the Bible out of State schools were strenuous in their opposition, the great mass of the people, although they desired to have the Bible in the schools, did not desire it intensely enough. Mr. Paterson said that even the Church did not realise the tragedy of the present system. It was not neutral. but actually anti-religious. Their supreme opponent was the Roman Catholic Church, which was no doubt quite right from its own. point of view. It was using its opposition to try to dragoon the other forces into giving it State aid for its Church schools. An amendment giving the assembly’s support to the Victorian system of Bible instruction .*s introduced to Parliament by the G. M. Thomson was moved by the wox. H. H. Barton, who said it was an adaptation of the Nelson system, and 156.000 children in Victoria were receiving instruction under it. “There is no hopo~frora the present Parliament,” said- the Rev. Dr. J. Gibb. Were they therefore to wait*? Half 3 loaf was better than nothing, and he therefore supported the amendment. Assembly unanimously agreed to urge ministers to take advantage of the Nelson system wherever possible and expressed adherence to the platform of the Bible-in-Schools League. Mr. Barton’s amendment was lost by a large majority. £ COMMITTEES SET UP The Rev’. J. Davie, convener of standing committees, said the Assembly had consisted of 60 per cent, ministers and 40 per cent, elders. The Auckland Assembly had cost £661 more than the Christchurch Assembly. Assembly committees were set up with the following cenveners: Beneficiary, Rev. A. B. Todd; Bills and Business. Rev’. W. H. Howes: Education Board. Rev. W. R. Hutchison; Chaplains. Rev. R. S. Watson; Fire Insurance. Mr. A. D. Thomson; Foreign Missions, Rev. F. B. Barton; Historical Records, Rev. J. Dickson; Home Missions, Rev. D. D. Scott; Judicial. Rev. J. H. MacKenzie: Knox College Council, Professor T. D. Adams; Life and Work, Rev. E. Gardiner; Maori Missions. Rev. J. Hay; New Century’ Fund. Mr. .T. A. Thomson; Publications. Rev. G. TT Jupp; Public Questions. Dr. E. N. Merrington: Social Service Association. Rev. J. Baird; Receptions. Rev’. J. H. MacKenzie: Supply and Appointments. Rev. D. C. Herron; Statistics. Rev. W. H. Howes; Sustentation Fund. Rev. J. Pringle; Temperance, Rev. .T. R. Blanchard; Theological Hall Rev. E. J. Tipler; Training Institute, Rev. G. Miller; Youth, Rev. J. A. Allan. An overture from the North Auckland Presbytery in favour of making elders eligible as moderators of re “" bvtery was approved to be sent down for consideration by presbyteries.