CIVIC WELCOME TO REV. JAMES BARR

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 256, 28 July 1927, Page 13

CIVIC WELCOME TO REV. JAMES BARR

PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER AND MiP. DISTINGUISHED SOCIAL WORKER There was a large attendance at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon when a civic reception was accorded to the Rev. James Barr, 8.D., M.P. for Motherwell, Scotland, who is visiting New Zealand. Amongst those present were the Hou. J. A. Young, Minister of Health, Messrs. P. Fraser, M.P., D. G. Sullivan, M.P., R. McKeen, M.P., W. J. Jordan, MiP., F. Meadowcroft, R. Semple, and members of the Wellington Presbytery. The Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) presided. Air. Troup remarked that their visitor was a very distinguished scholar, his successes including passing in the

whole of the seven subjects comprising the art course at Glasgow University. He was not only a theologian, but a politician, a Presbyterian minister, and, if he 'might say so, a distinguished Scotsman with a deep sense of humour. (Laughter.) He further had a w;ide

reputation as a speaker and lecturer, and they were to have a taste of his quality while he was in New Zealand. In Glasgow, he had served on the school board for many years, had been on Parliamentary commissions and on other work, which made him a man they were glad to honour. In welcoming him heartily he wished him a happy and prosperous stay in New Zealand. Mr. R. Semple extended a welcome on behalf of the City Council, saying that their visitor had spent many years towards the solution of some of the economic problems with which they were faced. »He hoped the Dominion would profit by his stay, and also that he would.learn something by his visit to this young country. The Hon. J. A. Young spoke for the Prime Minister and the Government. in extending a hearty welcome to Mr. Barr. It was a special pleasure to a Parliamentarian to extend a welcome hand to a brother Parliamentarian, and to a representative of a sturdy race. There were settlements in’ New Zealand which preserved their individuality as well as their nationality, and Mr. Barr would find brother Scots in all parts of the Dominion, while in Dunedin he would imagine that he was back in Scotland again. They would gain by exchanges of views from one who was a great social reformer, as well as a politician. He hoped Mr. Barr’s mission would be successful in carrying out the great work in which he was engaged. Welcomes were also extended on behalf of the Presbytery and New Zealand Alliance by the Rev. 15. J. Orange, Mr. P. Fraser, for the Labour Party and the Opposition in the House, and Mr. R. 11. Ninimo, for the Caledonian Society and Scottish people of the community. 'The Rev. James Barr said he appreciated the many kind remarks made, and proceeded to relate one or two Scottish stories. He had delivered about SOO lectures on the life of Robert Burns, whose home he knew very well, and referred to experiences he had gained in his world travels. He provoked laughter when he told the audience that lie once had to reply that he had not resigned the profession of a minister of religion to become a politician. A welcome had been accorded him by t'he Labour Party. For some years lie Was associated with the Liberal Party at Home, but for various reasons he found it his duty to associate himself with the Labour Party. His public activities in Glasgow, and the existence of a .maximum tramfare of 2d., for which they could travel a distance of 30 miles, were subjects which surprised the audience. ■ He spoke of the great social work which had been done in the last 50 years, resulting in a greatly decreased death rate, an increased birth rate, and lower infant mortality. He could say much on the housing question and the'way in which houses were divided into apartments. There was much to be said for public and private enterprise, yet sometimes private enterprise had’ its sinister side. . As had been said, until housing conditions in the Old Country were reformed, all hope of great'moral and spiritual advancement must be suspended. The speaker concluded with some references to the liquor problem, again thanking all for the cordial welcome given.

PRESBYTERY WELCOME A' meeting of the Wellington Presbytery was held yesterday’ afternoon to welcome the Rev. Janies Barr. _ lhe Rev. 15. J. Orange, moderator, presided, and introduced the visitor, welcoming him to the Dominion. Mr. Barr replied, giving some of Ins experiences in connection with Church and State. Refreshments were dispensed by ladies at the close of the gathering- ; NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE WELCOME THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE. A hearty welcome was extended Mr. Burr by tlie New Zealand Alliance at a “tea” last night. . Tlie Rev. W. J. Coinrte, chairman of the Alliaueo Standing Committee, presided,l those present including the Minister of Health (Lion. J. A. Young), Messrs. P. Fraser, and R. McKeen, M.P.’s, and a large number of representative citizens. Among a number of apologies received were those from lion. R. A. Wright (Minister of Education), Hon. Sir .Tames Allen, M.L.C.. lion. A. S. Malcolm, M.L.C., Archdeacon A. Al. Johnson, A. L Hansell, ami Innes-Jones, Canon Fieldon Tavlor, Rev Dr. J. Gibb, and Commissioner J. llay. ol the Salvation Army. In addressing the gathering Mr. Barr said that the pursuit of the temperance cause had been a life-long work. lersonally,” he said, “I am opposed to tlio nationalisation of the liquor traffic. 1 believe in the socialisation of public utilities. not public iniquities." Mr. Barr said that a great work of education remained to be carried out both m Britain and New Zealand in connection with the liquor question. Glasgow stood out foieniost in this resnpet, and they had three wards drv. with nine almost dry, this beim- partly duo to the fact that they had given definite temperance education to the young. The temperance cause was a truly Clii;is,tinn one, and New Zealand would carry the day. Air. Barr later left for the noith by flic Limited express.