CIVIC LEADERSHIP

Evening Star, Issue 24047, 20 November 1941, Page 7

CIVIC LEADERSHIP

CHURCH MEMBERS' OBLIGATIONS DIRECTION OF METHODIST SYNOD Urging a keener interest in civic and community service, tlie Methodist Synod for Otago and Southland this morning adopted tlie following state- 1 ment:— “ We would present to our members and adherents an urgent call for them, to consider very prayerfully the possibility of seeking avenues of service in civic and community leadership. “ Too few of tlie responsible positions in this young nation are held by devoted Christian men and women. Our Church ought to bo represented by at least our census percentage of leaders. The holding of such positions involves difficulties, but ensures that the moral leadership of the community would not pass "out of the hands of Christian believers, as has happened with such disastrous effect in some countries. “ This appeal is made irrespective of party or class, as every section of local body or national politics needs to be permeated by Christian ideals, embodied in the life and witness of Christian men and women, whose religion is more than theories vaguely held.” LICENSING LAWS IGNORED. A sub-committee set up to draw up adequate statements on the liquor question and gambling jircsented the following statements, which were adopted unanimously:— (.1) That this Synod calls attention to the fact that, in these momentous times, New Zealand spent over £I,OOO an hour, day and night, last year in liquor. It views with trepidation the increased drinking amongst young girls as well as men, and deplores the very obvious ignoring of the licensing laws by many publicans. It urges for stricter police control of the licensed houses. It points out that this traffic is entirely unproductive of any form of good, and results in nothing but tragedy of many kinds, including a mounting toll of street accidents and other preventable evils. It suggests that it is ridiculous to punish a man for drinking when he lias not only been given the opportunity to do so, but has been encouraged in the matter by myriad advertisements. (2) That this Synod congratulates the i Youth Department on its excellent temperance publication. (3) That Conference be urged to direct the immediate establishment of some temperance organisation for children in every circuit, and commend wider support of the W.C.T.U. and kindred societies to all our people.

(4) That we support all requests for a more rigid enforcement of liquor laws in the Sing Country. GAMBLING MENACE. Regarding gambling, the following motion was passed : “ Tlia.t this Synod respectfully urges both the Government and the public of New Zealand to take immediate action to restrain gambling in any form. It points out: (1) That gambling has no moral basis, and gain .without merit is anti-social. (2) That it breaks down the sense of values, leads to a consideration of money for its own sake, and becomes an irresistible urge without human or social. value. (3) That it is the opposite of reason and judgment. (4) That it means the maintenance of hundreds of betting men who act in contravention of the law, and who repay the community nothing for their earnings, (o) That it slows up production in workshop and factory, owing to the undue excitement caused. (6) That it creates a false optimism that stifles personal effort. The gambler who trusts to “ luck ” leaves others to do the work by which he (7) That one of its chief effects is to destroy that self-manage-ment, which is essential to the establishment and administration of a truly Christian socialist State. The Synod further moved: “ That we once again urge all our ]>cople to abstain from all participation in raffles, art unions, etc., and to keep all church bazaars and other money-rais-ing efforts free from all taint of gambling in any form. OTHER MATTERS. Synod was also occupied this morning in considering the business of the Home and Maori Mission department. It was recommended that circuits and home mission stations aim to increase their active membership by at least 10 per cent, throughout the year. A recommendation to conference was passed that the centennial objective be raised from £IOO,OOO to £150,000, and that it include a fund as a nucleus for raising ministerial stipends.