The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 1928. PRAYER BOOK DIVISION

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 1928. PRAYER BOOK DIVISION

The great controversy at Homo which has prooceded in regard to the revision of the Common Prayer Book has indicated, at all events, that religion in the Motherland is a vital and stimulating power. Those, who spoke of a growing indifference and apathy to religion in Great Britain must revise their views. It is clear that a great body of churchmen have strong convictions about their religion and the observance of its forms in common worship. The interests of others displayed in the political debate who may be adherents of other churches than the Established Church, also shows that the vital issues of the occasion have aroused a very wide and intimate concern in the basic subject, which indicates that the foundations of belief are after all on very solid ground, and that to millions of our people religious observances are not mere lip service, hut a genuine devotion of the heart and mind in keeping with their true religious belief. One of the most interesting facts to those at a distance, was the very high level of the debates to which the speeches soared. In the last discussion prominent speakers who ha<] not discussed the bill publicly before, were constrained to do so, impelled by the prevailing spirit, and impressed with the complete earnestness of .the very unusual! political issue. Party went by the board and members spoke as their personal convictions urged them. It was this cosmopolitan feature which made the whole discussion of such powerful interest to the onlooking world at large, lib though outside the controversy, were drawn to a closer study of the issues, by reason of the very earnestness and obvious sincerity witlh which each speaker detailed, his views or his criticism. There was real argument pro and con, and in the final issue the waverers were brought to a personal conclusion by the power and logic of the speakers. Overseas there has not lieen so much interest and concern in the issue at stake —certainly it has not been manifested in concrete form; but wherever dwelling abroad church folk must have been impressed by what was renjfly the solemnity of the occasion in the House of Commons when dealing with the issue. It was an intense manifestation of the religious. spirit pervading the Homeland, and that question o,f doctine as pertaining to the faith count tremendously. The attachment' to the Prayer Book can lie well understood. Its services are rich in all embracing petitions. One can but marvel at the facility with which the common tongue has 'been used to express and to embrace feblings of devotion and submission to the Supreme Power. The Book ns we know it is more than three centuries old, which makes it the more remarkable in these times when the world is priding itself on modernity. There is an age long familiarity about the marvellous beauty of the diction, as it lias been expressed, which must have impressed all devotional minds, and there is an obvious aversion to part with such a friend—something which has been with us from childhood days. The controversy, sharp as it has been, is not a disaster. Rather do we regard it as something the nation may be proud of. Religion in England—the very life centre of the not dying or in decay. As an Engish paper has said, the loss of faith would alter the whole tone of life. Bishop Welldon is strictly correct when he reminds the world that “the Church exercises a stronger influence upon humanity than any other institution. . . Christians a.nd non-Christians too, are apt to forget how much of tho beneficence which characterises modern societv is the direct outcome of the Christian faith and the Christian spirit. The hospital, for example, owes its birth to Christianity.” *

Our community is praised very often by outsiders for its citizen-spirit and general displays of unanimity in public matters. It would appear good seed was sown in the early days and a rich harvest is being reaped in those latter days. As regards civic service, we have many examples of unstinted and generous public service ,on the part of various citizens that goes to confirm what our approving say of u,s. This week attention has boon drawn to the subject by the retirement of Superintendent Braddon from the head of tho Fire Brigade. He lias served the public as a member of that Brigade over many years, and there has been no question as to the character of his earnest and impartial services! The Fire Board has expressed appreciation of his very faithful work and proposes very properly to make so me suitable presentation. The volunteer spirit manifested in connection with, the local Fire Brigade is something tho citizens should he proud of and certainly grateful for. It has been most exemplary now over many years and Mr Braddon lias been fortunate. in having been associated over many years with many kindred spirits, the disposition of whom on lines similar to his own, must have made his task a congenial one. The Brigade lias been fortunate in drawing to itself men who took practically a devoted: interest in their public duties, and others like Mr Braddon find with advancing years, they must make way for the coming generation. It is interesting to note there arc always young men in waiting for vacant places, and it is also pleasing to note that many of tho enthusiasts are sons of veterans who have done years of service in the Brigade. Hokitika has never been lacking in the volunteer spirit in the matter of service. In former times the First Westland Rifles was notable for the capability of its rank and filo ill all "branches of volunteering, and the same spirit .permeated those connected with the sister institution—the Brigade. Those ;who serve in such capacities for the public weal often get but scant recognition. Such an occasion as now presents itself by Mr Braddon’s retirement, gives occasion for some remark as a slight form of recognition of public sendees so readily rendered. We are sure Mr Braddon will regret retiring, but we are equally sure'that he has the goodwill and esteem of tho Brigadcsmen and the public at large in the highest appreciation of the manner in which lie has discharged his responsible duties.