THE CHURCH 'AND UNEMPLOYMENT

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20987, 16 October 1933, Page 10

THE CHURCH 'AND UNEMPLOYMENT

Auckland Synod's Debate IMMEDIATE ACTION URGED k rRESS ASSOCIATION TKLKGKAM.I AUCKLAND, October 14. The Anglican Synod had a spirited debate on a motion introduced by the Rev. W. W. Averill, calling for "fearless and immediate action on the part of those in authority with a view to relieving the intolerable conditions under which a large section ot the community is at present existing." The motion went on to affirm that the policy of destroying or curtailing the fruits of industry was a crime against God and humanity; that the true solution lay in a more efficient, system of distribution; and that the loot cause of the present obvious maldistribution of God's gifts was the obsolete money system. Mr Averill said that Ihc subject iK-rded more than a pious resolution. More than 78,000 unemployed were receiving an inadequate pittance. Ihe scale of relief pay might be justified as a temporary expedient, but, despite prophecies of improvement and "hot air" about rising prices, unemployment continued to increase. The poverty to-day was absolutely manmade. In his opinion it was blasphemy for them to thank God lor His gifts and at the same time to allow men to withhold these gifts. "Sweated Labour.'' The recurrence of unemployment was bringing about the return of sweated labour. The Church must face the whole question fearlessly. They would fail in their duty if they kept silent for fear of a little ridicule or the displeasure of a few wealthy ones in the community. If the Church stood bv and left it for some other section of the community to attempt reform by revolution, then the Church would merit the fate which overtook the Church in Russia. The motion was opposed by Mr T. N. Smallwood. who said that the problem was puzzling the best brains in the world. Any monetary system which tended to lower individual effort and incentive must harm the character of the nation. The banks hud been the subject of much criticism, but it must be remembered that the banks' first duty was to their depositors, including people who had saved by self-denial. He thought the motion as framed would make synod look ridiculous. In reply to the Re-. 11. K. Archclall. Mr Averill denied any intention of committing synod to the Douglas credit system. Two lay members attempted to delete all but the first part of the motion, saying that synod was not the right place to discuss an economic subject. The Row A. J. Greenwood strongly supported the motion, urging nil' to speak their minds and not shelve the question. The discussion -..-ill be resumed after the week-end.