ANGLICAN SYNOD.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, Issue LXXII, 9 July 1917, Page 4

ANGLICAN SYNOD.

At the sitting on Friday, Mr W. J. Birch moved: "That this synod is strongly of opinion that the method of raising money for the relief of our soldiers and their dependents by carnivals, art unions, and similar expedients is not only harmful in tendency but altogether unworthy of the sacrifice our men are making and of the great crisis through, which the Empire is passing." ! Mr Birch said he had no doubt that the synod would support the motion. It seemed to him that when so many were mourning the loss of sons, brothers and friends, or were in daily dread of hearing of such loss, it was grievous that our people should be beguifed into such methods of raising money under the plea of patriotism. Surely the work the boys were doing at the front was sufficient appeal to draw money from the pockets of the public without the inducement of gambling and amusement, which had sometimes degenerated into buffoonery. At the suggestion of the Rev. A. M. Johnson, who seconded the motion, the following clause was added: "That the synod urges the Government to repeal the Act that makes gambling for patriotic purposes legal." The motion was carried without discussion or opposition. The recommendation of the Cathedral Site Committee in favor of St. Mark's site was adopted. Mr Frank Peck is to be appointed architect with certain reservations.