DIVINE AID.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 160, 8 July 1932, Page 13

DIVINE AID.

PRAYER AT CONFERENCES. FARMERS' UNION DECISION. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. The decision mado to-day by the New Zealand Fanners' Union that in future their Dominion conferences shall be opened with, prayer was the outcome of a remit in which it was suggested that all - Dominion conferences should be opened with a. suitable prayer. Mr. H. B. Lethbridge (Manawatu) said the idea of a business assembly being opened with some form of recognition of the Almighty was not a new one. On entering the Royal Exchange in London, ono was confronted with, the text, "The earth ie the Lord's and the fulness thereof." The rock on which Britain had built its greatness was a recognition of Divine providence. The women's division of tho union had set them an example in opening their proceedings with prayer. Tho object of the remit was that as a business assembly of primary producers they should first of all acknowledge their dependence on the Almighty and invoke Divine aid in their deliberations. Letters on the eubject were read from Archbishop Averill and Father J. J. Riordan, of Otala. The archbiehop said it had come to his notice that the remit was coming before the conference. It was not for him to suggest to farmers what they should or should not do, but he was most interested and thankful to hear of the remit. If the remit was passed, however, it would be of tremendous strength to all those who were striving to make the Dominion Godfearing and loyal. Father Riordan said he had discussed the remit with Archbishop O'Shea, who approved of the idea in it wholeheartedly. If ever there was necessity for Divine guidance in human affairs the present period of chaos was that time. Hβ hoped the conference would treat the matter as a fulfilment of Christian precept. The remit was unanimously carried. The president, Mr. W. J. Poleon, M.P., stated he would consult some ecclesiastical authorities before deciding on any form of prayer.