SPIRITUAL BASIS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 158, 5 July 1940, Page 10

SPIRITUAL BASIS.

GUARDING DEMOCRACY.

REV. H. G. HUGHES' ADDRESS.

That everyone should understand that democracy was founded on a spiritual basie which 'must be safeguard.-d in these times was urged by the Rev. Gladetone Hughes in an address to members of the Auckland Women's Luncheon Club in the Milne and Choyee reception hall yesterday. The president, Mise Freda Brookes, presided.

The foundations of democracy., eaid the speaker, were laid deeply in the spiritual convictions of Christianity, and it was only in a spiritual atmosphere thas democracy could live. There was an imperative need for all to graep this truth, and to eee. that their children did likewise. Once people lost eight of the fact, no power on earth could save them. That the present conflict wae against forces which would destroy democracy and all that it involved was becoming clear, continued the speaker. Religion was beiiig attacked in Russia, Italv and Germany, and in all three countries the method was to attack through the youth of the country, they being more eaeily influenced. Children in Germany to-day had no respect for their parents, and the parents had no control over their children. The latter were taught that their first loyalty was to the Fuehrer. "All men and women should, ae true democrats, be prepared to place themselves under discipline in time of national emergency," concluded Mr. Hughes. At the commencement of the meeting Miss Brookes announced that the sum of £30 had been raised by membere of the club on the day they had assisted at the Red Cross el'kop. Members had also agreed to provide the supper and assist at the Welcome Club on September 28. It was decided that two guineas each should be donated to Sister Esther, the Brett Memorial Home and the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society. Mies Beryl McCullough sang, accompanied by Miss Gwenda Weir. The hostesses were Mrs. N. H. Dixon, Mrs. V. E. Holland and Mise Morfett.