“CHURCH AND STATE”

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 55, 28 November 1928, Page 10

“CHURCH AND STATE”

POLITICIANS AND CLERGYMEN FORGATHER DESIRE TO DO THE BEST FOR THE COUNTRY Dominion Special Service. Auckland, November 27. “There is a lot of mischievous nonsense talked about politicians,” said the Rev. Professor Hewitson, when presiding at the Presbyterian General Assembly luncheon to-day. “Politicians are just as good as you are,” he declared amid laughter. “They represent us.” Seven of the local members of Parliament—Messrs. M. J. Savage, J. S. Fletcher, A. J. Stallworthy, A, Harris, J. B. Donald, W. Parry, and G. Munns —accepted an invitation to be present at the luncheon.

Professor Hewitson urged that if the men who administer the laws had to undergo special training, so assuredly should those who made them. He spoke of those whose vision was so limited that they did not know there was any other land south of Cook Strait. “Compromise!” he declared. “You have to have it if you are a married man 1” But the rest of the sentence was drowned in a shout of laughter. “Very well; I see you understand,” he said as he passed on to the next point. On behalf of the guests Mr. Savage returned thanks for the invitation extended them. He agreed with the Moderator that members of Parliament were not treated with the seriousness they deserved, because they could do a great amount of harm. Mr. A. Harris, speaking as an old Parliamentary man, claimed that most members had a wide knowledge of the problems with which they had to deal, and were actuated with a sincere desire to do their best for their country. Members of Parliament and clergymen had much in common, and both were shockingly underpaid. Mr. J. S. Fletcher said with regard to the South Island being overlooked, he believed he could say with every confidence that they were going to give them the next Prime Minister from the South Island.

The Hon. J. B. Gow responded on behalf of the Assembly, and expressed pleasure at the “rapprochement” between Church and State. He agreed that all parties were seeking the betterment of New Zealand rather than party advantage.