HOME AND FAMILY WEEK: INFLUENCE TO BE EMPHASISED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22915, 6 April 1949, Page 8

HOME AND FAMILY WEEK: INFLUENCE TO BE EMPHASISED

The overwhelming importance of good relations in the home, in the formation of character in young people which will stand them in good stead throughout their lives, will be given emphasis dming a special week of effort scheduled for later in the year when a “home and family week” will be sponsored by the National Council of Churches with the support of Gisborne religious and

civil organisations whose fields of work impinge upon social relations. , Preliminary discussion of the effort took place at a largely-attended meeting held on Monday in St. Andrew's Hall, when the Rev. E. P. Blamires outlined the general project and gave those present an indication of how successful similar efforts had been in Britain and in some parts of New Zealand.

Wide Youth Representation The audience, which included the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. F. Tolerton. representatives of the Gisborne Rotary Club, Women's Institute movement, the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers, Scout and Guide movements, educationists and various fellowships associated with different churches in Gisborne, heard with keen interest Mr. Blamires’ review of conditions or recent developments which underline the importance of healthy atmospheres in the homes of the nation. Pie mentioned some aspects of the v/ork he had followed in Britain, and referred to the particular value of bureaux for the guidance of young people in the marriage relationship. Adapted to New Zealand needs, home-and-family projects had proved highly successful', said Mr. Blamires, in Dunedin, Timaru and New Plymouth, and he had no doubt that similar success could be achieved in Gisborne. He believed, in fact, that they would become regular institutions in many other parts of the Dominion. Exhibition Programme Features The special requirements of the project in regard to committees to conduct various phases of the week were, also reviewed, and Mr. Blamires mentioned the importance which had been attached in other centres to the exhibition feature. Pie emphasised the importance of enrolling assistance of secular groups which had to do with youth development. and which could render an important service. The Rev PI. Dyson spoke briefly to the gathering, explaining that it had been thought advisable to make reservations of suitable accommodation for the 'exhibition and for major public gatherings well in advance. The Army Hall had been reserved for the exhibition and other purposes, he said, and the week's effort would be wound up at the Opera House with a large Sunday combined gathering. Keenest Enthusiasm Expressed In a discussion which followed these speakers •-emarks many of those present expressed the keenest enthusiasm for the project, and the remarks on these lines were heartily endorsed by general applause. It developed, however, that a number of people present as representatives of various bodies had not had opportunities to discuss the project with their general members, and in order to provide these opportunities it was agreed that further discussion should be held over until May 2. A further meeting will be held on that date, when it is hoped that delegates will come armed with authority to accept tasks allotted to their respective organisation.

The Rev J. Kingsley Fairbairn occupied the chair.