RELIEF CAMPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 247, 19 October 1933, Page 11

RELIEF CAMPS.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE. WORK OF COUNTRY CLERGY. A report upon the ministry of the Church to the men in relief camps was presented at the Auckland Anglican Synod by the Rev. W. W. Averill. The report showed there are 5C relief camps, large and small, in the country parishes of the diocese, and in almost every case they are being visited_ by country vicars. In some cases the visits are paid regularly, and in others at intervals of about a month. Owing to inaccessibility, lack of suitable transport, etc., there are some camps which can only he visited as opportunity offers. It was resolved that the general character of visits paid by vicars to the men in the camps was that of friendly chats with the men and the extending to them of the right hand of Christian sympathy and brotherhood. To relieve the conditions under which the men were living, reading material, gramophone records, clothing, blankets and food had been provided. The men appreciated the practical interest the Church was taking in their welfare. There had been a very definite response on the part of the men to the spiritual appeal, and this side of the work would be extended.Reading material suitable for distribution in the camps was the greatest need felt by all country vicars, and if city clergy and their friends would undertake to collect this regularly it would prove of great assistance to the country clergy and men in relief camps. Gramophone records, playing cards, etc., Were much appreciated by the men. The report was presented prior to the Rev.W. W. Averill moving: "That this Synod commends the men in relief camps to the care and oversight of the country clergy, with a view to the amelioration of the conditions under which they arc living, and urges the city clergy to assist the country clergy by collecting reading material, etc., the mover to bo appointed receiving officer for the same." The motion was carried.