CONGREGATIONAL UNION

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 139, 8 March 1929, Page 12

CONGREGATIONAL UNION

COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS SESSIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association, i Napier, March 7. The business sessions of the Congregational Union commenced this 'morning. The report of the Pastors’ Provident Fund, presented by Sir George Fowlds, showed that the fund had now reached £12,000. Sir George Fowlds said he was sanguine that very soon • finality would be reached in the negotiations to link the fund with similar funds in Australia and the Homeland. A comparison with the Australian States showed that the New Zealand fund was in as strong a position as any other. The Rev. H. Miller (Moderator)presented the annual report.« This revealed extension in many churches. He was optimistic that the foundations were being laid thoroughly on the basis of which further extension was possible. Five years, ago it was said in England that New Zealand Congregationalism was the sick child of the Congregational family, but to-day divisions had been healed and unity was real. Solidarity was a growing idea and esprit de corps was evident everywhere. He claimed in answer to' criticism that the ministerial standard in the Congregational Church, was higher to-day. than ever it had been.

The afternoon session' was devoted to a discussion of youth work, In the course of which speakers expressed the opinion that no real progress could be possible until the homes were really Christian. The work of the teachers was multiplied by the parents, who “Sent the kids out of the way in order to get quiet to read the Sunday uews-