RELIGION AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 148, 25 June 1935, Page 6

RELIGION AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS.

In Saturday's "Star" I notice the Onehunga ministers have had quite a lot to say shout the above subject in this district. From a citizen's point of view I purpose trying to put a few thoughts together, as this district is essentally a working class one, and, like all others, there reside hundreds of unemployed here, many of whom are suffering privations equal to any in New Zealand. May I ask these gentlemen what public endeavour has been made by ministers in the borough to present a united front to the Government 011 behalf of these unfortunate citizens? I maintain the policy of inactivity followed by the Churches throughout this country in this direction has caused many of the Churches to be empty to-day, and each individual minister must take the blame for>the harvest they are reaping. Passing down the main highway in the borough last week one saw standing in the biting wind and showers a row of men trying to get to an open window for no more apparent reason than to answer their names. This would not l>e if the people I mention faced the authorities and said we won't hare it. Extremists are plotting mischief in our midst, and no wonder. But to my mind, the most appalling thing is the large number of our growing" lads that are growing up to sneer at religion, and curse their King and country, owing to the conditions under which they are forced to reside. I have particularly noticed when the religious bodies of Auckland have combined and shown a united front to the Government that some little concession has been extracted. I predict fewer seats occupied in the future iinless something is done to bring back happier conditions, and that speedily. FAMILY MAN.