PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SEEKS INFORMATION ON LIQUOR PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 26155, 17 July 1947, Page 11

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SEEKS INFORMATION ON LIQUOR PROBLEMS

In an attempt to obtain information as to the state of temperance conviction and activity in the Church, the General - Assembly of the Presbyterian Church has authorised the issue of a questionnaire throughout New Zealand. The questionnaire has been sent to presbyteries, sessions,’ deacons’ courts or managers’, boards, women’s fellowships. and *(in conjunction with the Youth Committee) Bible classes. “ Honesty, candour, and courage in answering are needed to make the replies really valuable,” says the Temperance Committee in an explanatory memorandum. Thirteen of the 18 questioris'deal with proposals and policy. “Do you think Prohibition should be the long-term aim? ” heads the list. Other, questions fringing on public policy are:— Are you in favour of local-bodies becoming traders in liquor? Should Christians discourage the dripking of liquor at weddings? Are you prepared to advocate some form of trust control with a view to the removal of the incentive to private profit? Do you know of any temperance teaching in schools? If so, what value do you place on it? Two questions deal with decisions made by the (Royal Commission on Licensing—“ on ’’ sales between 8 p.iu. and 10 p.m. twice a week, and the establishment of a public corporation to take over the breweries and “run beer shops,” while leaving hotels with accommodation in private hands. Part two of the questionnaire need be answered only by congregational bodies It includes questions such as: “ Is there a band of hope in ymir congregation? ’’ “Do you believe in pledge signing? " And “Do you. think the young people of your congregation are sufficiently informed about the dangers of alcohol? ”