GAMBLING MANIA

Evening Star, Issue 22192, 21 November 1935, Page 19

GAMBLING MANIA

INCREASE CONCERNS CHURCH METHODIST SYNOD'S BUSINESS Tu view of the widespread and increasing prevalance of gambling and betting, and the insidious evils attendant upon them, it was urged by the Public Questions Committee at yesterday session of the OtagoSouthland District Synod of the Methodist Church of New Zealand that all Synods should counsel church people to abstain from participation in any form of gambling, and to do all in their power to lessen its sway in the community. It was further urged that instruction in the -evils of gambling be given by youth workers of the church. “ The whole system of public gambling in the form of art unions is pernicious, despite the fact that their proceeds are devoted to the relief of distress,” said the chairman (the Rev. C. H. Olds). If the interests of the needy were to be served, why was it necessary to, offer large monetary prizes to entice the public to subscribe, when it would be much more honourable to make straightout gifts. The committee’s finding was ajiproved. CITY CHURCHES’ DIFFICULTIES. Moving the adoption of a recommendation from Central Mission to urge conference to appoint a probationer to assist the city mission superintendent (the Rev. L. B. Neale), Mr H. H. Johnson said that the work had increased to such a marked extent under the influence of Mr Neale that unless he was assisted it was felt both he and the mission w6uld suffer. "Drawing attention to the fallacy of having two Methodist churches within a stone’s throw of one another, Mr R. N. Vanes said that Central Mission congregations had been swelled to some extent at the expense of Trinity. He agreed that there were too many churches, and that one big institution should serve the city itself. Mr Neale said that, despite the traditions of both churches concerned, he felt they would one day have to do something revolutionary and statesmanlike in the interests of the unfortunate position that was created by having the churches practically next door to one another. As regards the appointment of a probationer, lie said that, while he had not been responsible for the suggestion, and had at first been averse to it, he now considered that it might be in the best interests of the mission. The recommendation -was approved, and it was decided to forward it to the forthcoming conference. GENERAL. A lengthy statement from the Public Questions Committee on Christian marriage and another on the subject of divorce wore discussed in detail and adopted, while the committee’s findings in respect of temperance and Bible in schools were approved without discussion. . Reports from the Trinity Theological College, the, College Council, and the Wesley College, together with others of a minor domestic character, were adopted. i It was decided, on the recommendation of the Local Preachers’ Association, to set aside each year the second Sunday of April as “ local preachers’ Sunda.y,” and a vote of appreciation of the past work of these officers was carried by acclamation. RELIGION REVIVAL SUGGESTED. Church membership statistics were presented, after which the following resolution was carried:—“That Synod accepts the returns as a challenge to both ministers and church members to review the spiritual life of the OtagoSouthland district. Synod believes that the only solution to the serious weaknesses revealed is a revival of religion. This, however, means more than an increased interest in public worship, and much more than increased efficiency in organisation.” The business session was then adjourned until this morning. SOCIAL FUNCTION. Synod representatives and their friends were entertained last night at an enjoyable conversazione, at which brief addresses were given by the Revs. B. H. N. Teague and M. A. M'Dowell, while items were contributed by_ several vocalists and Trinity Choir, in addition to a short play, entitled 1 The Blaclt Night.’ presented by St. Kilcla Bible class members.