CHURCHMAN AND POLITICIAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 87, 13 April 1927, Page 8

CHURCHMAN AND POLITICIAN.

REV. JAMES BABE, M.P.

TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND

The projected visit to New Zealand of a most distinguished Scottish Churchman was announced by the Rev. Morrison Sutherland, at a meeting of the Auckland Presbytery la-=t night, "litis is the Rev. James Barr, Labour M.P. lor Motherwell, Scotland. A renowned scholar and orator. Mr. Barr was formerly minister of two of the largest churches in Glasgow, Rotherford Church, Dcnni-toun. and" St! M a ry s Irovan. He wielded a tremendous influence in (he Free Church, and was, until a few years ago, the Uome Missions secretary, with" headquarters in Gia.-gow. About two vears ago, he left the church to represent the Labour interest in Motherwell, one of tho big industrial centres of Scotland. 'He is universally recognised a s one of the greatest orators in Great Britain. Big in body and b.<j in soul," says Mr. Sutherland, who knew him well.

Some members of the presbytry feared that the body would compromise itself by welcoming an advocate of the Labour cause, but the Rev. J. Lamb Ilarvey maintained that there was a? much Christianity in the Labour party as in any other. All doubts were set at rest by Mr. Sutherland's assurance that Mr. Rarr would lecture in the Dominion mostly on literary and historical subjects and on prohibtion. Mr Rarr may be expected to reach Auckland about July 2.">. and will remain here a weeek. A further six weeks will be spent in tourinp New Zealand seeking first-hand knowledge nf tho onunfrr after which Australia will be visited.