ECONOMIC STRESS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 12076, 16 October 1933, Page 7

ECONOMIC STRESS

‘INTOLERABLE CONDITIONS IN NEW ZEALAND.”

MONEY SYSTEM CONDEMNED

SPIRITED DEBATE IN SYNOD

DISCUSSIOX L NFIX 1S BED. (Press Association) AUCKLAND, Get. 1-1. The Anglican Synod had a spirited debate on a motion introduced by the Rev. W . A' . Averill calling *oi “ieai'less and immediate action ui, the part or i nose m autnoruy v.-lu

a view to relieving tee condition under whicii u large sect-on ot the community at present is exisl-

The motion went on Lo affirm that the policy of destroying or curtailing the limits of industry was a crime against God and humanity; that 11 true soluLion lay in a more efficient system of distribution; and t^at 1,10 root cause of the present obvious maldistribution of God s gilts was the obsolete money system.”

Mr. Aveiill said die subject needed more than a pious resolution. Over 7s,UOU unemployed were recc-ving an inadequate pittance The scale of relief pay might be justified as a. temporary expedient, but despite the prophecies of an improvement, and hot-air about raising prices, unemployment continued to increase. ’the poverty, today way absolutely manmade. In bis opinion, it was blasphemy for them to thank God tor his gifts, and. at the same time, ado"’

men to withhold these gifts. A recurrence of unemployment was bringing about a return el sweated labor. The church must lace tin, whole question fearlessly. 'D'e.v would fail in their duty if they kept silent for fear of a little ridicule <> the displeasure of a lew wealthy ones in the community. II the church stood bv and b-it if lor some other section of tile community k: attempt l,j reform by revolution, then 11" church would merit the late which overlook the church in Russia. The motion was opposed by Mr. T. N. Smallwood, who said the- problem was puzzling ihe best brains m the World. Any monetary system which tended to lower individual effort ami incentive must harm the character of the nation. The banks had been the subject of much criticism, but it must be remembered that the banks first duty was to their depositors, ineluding the people who had saved by self-denial. De thought the motion, so framed, would make Hie synod look ridiculous.

In reply to the Rev. .H. K. Archdale, Mar. Averill denied a ny intention of committing the synod to the Douglas credit system. Two lay members attempted to delete all but the first part of the motion, saying the synod was not -Mm right place to discuss an economic subject. Tile Rev. A. J. Greenwood strongly supported the motion, urging af! to speak their minds, and not shelve the question. Tile discussion will be resumed alter tho week-end.