More International Aid Recommended

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31764, 22 August 1968, Page 16

More International Aid Recommended

The urgency of increasing international aid was reaffirmed in a report by the International Affairs Committee presented to the annual synod of the North Canterbury district of the Methodist Church yesterday.

The committee was appreciative of the increased support many churches were giving to the N.C.C. Christmas appeal and to objectives of the Freedom From Hunger Appeal and C.0.R.5.0., but the over-all impact of human need on the conscience of New Zealanders appeared to be very slight compared with the needs of many people, the committee said. The ranks of the world’s refugees had increased dramatically in the last two years, and in spite of the Freedom From Hunger campaign and the efforts of numerous organisations, the gaps between the majority of poor and underfed people and the minority of wealthy, fast-develop-ing people was widening. The restriction of bombing of North Vietnam and the opening of talks between the United States and North Vietnam was welcomed by the committee, said the report, but the apparent intransigence of the negotiating parties, the increased ferocity of the fighting and mounting death toll and the lack of representation of all groups of the South Vietnamese people did not give hope of an early cease-fire or a lasting settlement.

The committee expressed concern about the suffering of civilians in the increased attacks on cities in South Vietnam, and expressed regret that bombing of North Vietnam was not completely stopped. The report was adopted. The synod adopted a National Council of Churches resolution on Vietnam and recommended that the conference be asked to bring it to | the attention of the Government. The resolution called for an end to the war, for reI lief for the victims of it, and

for the people of Vietnam to be allowed to decide their own policy.

The Rev. M. A. McDowell said the war was a burden on the conscience of the world and the conscience of Christendom. While New Zealanders lived in peace lives were being lost and a country was being laid waste. Dr McDowell moved “that in the light of the New Zealand Government’s repeated affirmation that it is contending for the establishment of a free democracy in South Vietnam, We express our concern to the Prime Minister at the suppression and imprisonment by the South Vietnam Government of those who disagree with its policy.” This motion was carried on voices. The Rev. W. R. Laws was nominated as general secretary for another term of six years from February 1, 1970. Several persons expressed appreciation of the work Mr Laws had done in the past as general secretary. The Rev. H. C. Matthews, superintendant of the Papanui circuit, was elected chairman of the North Canterbury district from next February. The Rev. H. K. Brown (Linwood) was re-elected secretary for the district. The synod accepted a Church Council recommendation that the annual district synod and the synod standing committee should be merged, to meet at least quarterly. Other recommendations passed were that Conference adopt the principle of providing secondary education for girls; and that the Wesley College Board be asked to consider the possibility of becoming cp-educational on its next major extension.