FURTHER BUSINESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 269, 12 November 1937, Page 16

FURTHER BUSINESS.

YOUTH WORK PROBLEMS.

DECLINE IN NUMBERS,

The statement that the youth statistics were again disconcerting and perhaps alarming was made by the Rev. J. Robertson last night when he presented to the Presbyterian Assembly the report of the youth committee. Referring to the fact that in the last 10 years the Sunday school scholars had" decreased by 5911, he thought the causes were the decline in birth rate, increased facilities for travel, increased use of •Sunday as a holiday, the fact that parents were putting lee# value on spiritual things, indifference of officebearers, faulty teaching and indifference of parents. The best thing that could be done to meet the position, said Mr. Robertson, was to work for a revival in the Church. The Rev. R. G. McDowall said it might be best to close the Sunday schools, so as to force back on the homes, where it belonged, the duty of teaching the children the things of God. Mr. Robertson stressed the importance of teacher and leadership training, and it was decided to urge presbyteries to faster training and preparation classes. It was further decided to reappoint Dr. J. D. Salmond as director of youth work for an additional seven years at a stipend of £450, with £100 house allowance. An impressive dramatic presentation, "The New Covenant," was presented by Bible class members, and an address on faithfulness was given by Dr. Salmond. The statement of the treasurer of the Church, Mr. V*. (J. Chapman, was submitted to the Assembly. He said that since he took office nine years ago the total funds of the Church had increased by £129,000 and now amounted to over £450.000. During the year £112.000 was paid into the banking account, and only £101,000 had been paid .out.