THE MONETARY SYSTEM

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20989, 18 October 1933, Page 3

THE MONETARY SYSTEM

AUCKLAND SYNOD'S DEBATE CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES AND UNEMPLOYMENT (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGEAM.) AUCKLAND, October 17. The Anglican Synod, last evening, resumed the discussion of the Rev. W. W. Averill's motion calling for reorganisation of the monetary system, and an attempt to apply the closure was overwhelmingly defeated. Mr G. H. Regnall said they had heard the usual extravagance of language and looseness of thought which characterised most argument against the existing monetary system. That system had evolved gradually and had J behind it the strong sanction of experience.

Mr Averill should be supported in what he had said regarding the destruction of the fruits of industry and the intolerable conditions under which some persons lived. Legislation affecting the Arbitration Court and other factors were causing sweating. The Rev. J. H. Cable, speaking of experiences in relief camps, said most of the men were cheerful, but it was inevitable that some should discuss with enthusiasm the doctrines of Lenin. "Would not some members of Synod feel bolshevik?" he asked, "if they were compelled to leave their homes and go into camps while some of the more fortunate members of society can go to their golf clubs and bridge parties whenever they please?" He commended Mr Averill for his courage at a time when there were many "weathercocks" about. Change of Attitude. Archdeacon Mac Murray pointed out that there had been a marvellous change in the attitude of the people towards unemployment. There has been a tremendous advance in Christian feeling. "It is not God's method of ruling the world to make it easy and comfortable for us," he said. "Sorrow and suffering are God's keenest chisels for carving out Christian character." He agreed with Mr Averill but not with his solution. Mr J. Manning said the opponents of the motion lacked the pioneer spirit; they were clinging to outworn ways. He did not like to think a child had to go through a chaos like the present chaos even to form a Christian character. The price was too great. Mr W. Skegg declared that the motion was undiluted socialism of the most dangerous kind. Mr F. Sangar said they had been told to leave the matter to experts. His experience of experts had not been encouraging. They always opposed any suggestion for the betterment of the industrial class. The present crisis had given the Church an opportunity of righting a great wrong. Mr Averill, in reply, said he was not trying to beguile Synod into Douglas credit. He was asking them to endorse Christian principles. It was possible for Synod to say whether it was in accordance with Christ's principles for a money system to stand between the people and the goods they needed. The debate was adjourned.