Wairarapa Daily Times. [Established 1874.] WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1895. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5008, 24 April 1895, Page 2

Wairarapa Daily Times. [Established 1874.] WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1895. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

According to law the instruction to be given in our public schools within certain fixed hours must be secular, but outside these limits it is left to the School Committees to permit other uses to be made of the school premises. When the Mnstcrlon School Committee permitted the Rev. A. C, Yorkc to give a Bible lesson niter ordinary lessons were concluded it was within its legal rights. Its power to do this could not be challenged, except by an absurd and ridiculous interpretation of the letter and the spirit of the law. The only point that could be raised against the Committee was an assumption that their procedure was not in accordance with public sentiment. This point has been emphatically decided by the annual meeting, which endorsed the action of the retiring Committee by reelecting its members, and placing Mr Daniel], who was probably the rflpsji liberal and outspokon member who supported Bible lessons, at tho hoaH of the poll. In many parts of the Colony, Ministers of religion hold Bible classes in public schools, and considering tho disadvantages they labour under, by having to begin their work at a time when children are naturally tired with their ordinary school course, they have been yery successful. We have been told that at Napier ono clergyman has had po )bsp than fifteen thousand children pass through his hands in the publio schools and we venturo to say that the benefit this multitude of young persons have derived from his instruction has not beon the least valuable part of tho education which they have recoived in the State buildings. Parents generally are in favour of their .ahjhjron availing themselves of any good influences and at a public .school iiice'"tlic '.oiie in this town, jfchey jyonjd' pjcop yptifypm My mjnis.ter,ofreligi l op. fn ouv opinion, 'f|ie |3## community in this town, fc to foe conptulajted upon having a school in which religious instruction is m essential part of the syllabus, If tho wishes of the parents of New Zoaland were consulted, we feel sure that Bible lessons, would bo legalised within School hours. In the interests of parents And children, we would gladly see the Act flffl&uded in this direction, Whatever denominations.J differences exist, New Zealand is

essentially a Christian country, but unfortunately its people have not always the courage and confidence to act up to their convictions.