“STAGGERING RESULT”

Evening Star, Issue 20029, 21 November 1928, Page 9

“STAGGERING RESULT”

THE PROHIBITION REVERSE METHODIST SYNOD'AVERS MORAL LAXITY “We have to admit wo have »us* tained a very staggering result in regard to' tho licensing poll—in fact, a. debacle,’ said tho Rev. H. E. Bellhouso (chairman of the district) in the course of his annual address to the OtagoSoutliland Methodist Synod this morning. , , “ With the political results of the General Election we have no concern, proceeded Mr Bellhouse, “ but we are concerned about the moral result.” Explain it as they might, he thought that it could not bo denied that they found themselves in the midst of a distinct moral slump. Many people were intimidated by the bogy of unemployment, and were afraid that if they cast their votes against Continuance the unemployment now existent would be seriously increased. “We know that such would not bo tho case,” declared Mr Bellhouse, ‘ and that employment in other channels would be increased.” He could not help feeling that they were still suffering from the moral aftermath of the war. . .. . “ The moral anareny existing, in the older countries of the world is now, I believe, spreading out here, concluded Mr Bellhouso, “and because ot that moral laxity there has been tins terrific set-back to many of our hopes and expectations in connection with the recent licensing poll.”