CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS

Evening Star, Issue 19001, 24 July 1925, Page 6

CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS

MEETING OF COUNCIL The quarterly meeting of the council was, held in First Church Classroom last' night. The president (Rev. TullocTi Tuille) occupied the chair, ana there was a large and representative attendance. SUNDAY TRAIN. The Rev. C. Kennedy, of East Tai« eri, requested the support of the council in an appeal which Taieri residents were making against a projected Sunday train to Outram.—lt was agreed to comply with Mr Kennedy’s request, and a petition to be presented to the Premier was signed by the members of the council, THE AMERICAN FLEET. It was agreed that the churches be requested to extend hospitality to the men of the fleet whenever they had shore leave. Dr Merringtou and Rev, \V. Walker were appointed to represent the council on the Civic Reception Committee, which is arranging for thf entertainment of the fleet. It was reported that the official service to be held on the Sunday of the visit of the fleet would bo held in First Church, and attended officially by the mayotf and councillors. The men, however, would be free to attend any service they pleased. liev. W. Walker stated that, as the Methodist Episcopal Church was the largest religious community in America, the Methodist Churches of the city were preparing a special social function _ for the Methodists among tho visiting seamen. Hearty approval was expressed of the decision of the Reception Committee to exclude intoxicating liquor froin the entertainments to which the visitors wore to bo invited, and it was unanimously resolved on the motion of Dr Herrington—“ That in view of the principle of Prohibition which has been adopted by the United States of America, our citizens are strongly urged to omit all intoxicants from their hospitality to the visiting seamen.” BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. Rev. E. 0. Blamires, convener of the Bible in Schools Committee, reported that all the schools in the city and suburbs save one were visited regularly for religious instruction by ministers and other voluntary workers. Between sixty and seventy of the standards were under tuition, and the lessons were much appreciated both by tho teachers and the scholars. Ha stated tliat there was a sad Jack of New Testaments among the scholars, and urged that the council should consider how best this need could be met. The Bible Society bad a splendid stock on hand, and if the requisite fund* could be secured copies might be procured at slight expense, and either sold to the scholars at a reduced rate, ol kept for the use of successive classes, Mr Blamires estimated that out of the 9,300 scholars in our primary schools, some 3,600 were attending the weekly lessons. Rev. A. Dalrymple, M.A., expressed the_ earnest hope that Mr Isitt’s Bill, which was defeated last session by only one vote, might lie passed during the present_ silting of Parliament. The President suggested that if the present Bill failed to pass a roundtable conference be Hold with leading educationists to discuss tho whole question of religious teaching in the primary schools. ' PLAYGROUNDS. Mr Ynille urged the importance of the appointment of an expert supervisor or the playgrounds of the city to direct tho games of the children, and protect thorn from possible harm. Such appointments had been made elsewhere to good purpose. Reference was made to such work as carried on in Brisbane and Auckland. The matter was .remitted to the executive for further consideration. HOUR OF SERVICE. The Secretary stated that the churches had been asked lo express themselves as to the proposal, to change the time of the Sunday evening service from 6.30 to 7, but insufficient replies had so far come to hand. Rev. R. Raine stated that his experience at Mornington was decidedly in favor of the change. The question was deferred until further opinions had been expressed. THE EXHIBITION.

Mr J. Farqnhar.son outlined the arrangements made for utilising the Education Court it the forthca niug Exhibition, find especially the section of it to he devoted to missionary, Bible, Sunday school, Y.M.C.A., and Y.W.C.A. exhibits. After discussion the executive was empowered to render financial aid to the scheme. Mr Farquharson stated that every effort would he made to present an attractive and an instructive display in the court. APT UNIONS. Grave concern was expressed at tin* readiness with which permits were granted for lotteries and art unions, and the conviction was affirmed that they were granted in violation of Iha Gaming Act. The question was referred to the executive to lake such action as it doomed fit. GIPSY RODNEY SMITH,

The Secretary detailed the arrange* nients made for the visit of the eminent evangelist, who is expected tfl reach Melbourne in May next, and will probably visit Dunedin about July. SMOKE NUISANCE. Dr Merrington called attention again to the injury done to the city and its inhabitants by the smoke nuisance, and urged that the City Council should take stops to abate it. Jt was resolved to seek the co-operation of the Amenities Society in dealing with the evil* The president declared that the council was interested in beauty, as w.MI as in truth, and was well within its rights in asking that everything possible .should he done to preserve the beauty of the city and safeguard the health of the people.