MILITARY DRILL ON SUNDAYS

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 55, 6 March 1911, Page 2

MILITARY DRILL ON SUNDAYS

STRONG CONDEMNATION,

CHRISTCHURCH, March 2. At this morning's session of the Methodist- Conference, the Rev. H. L. Blamires moved: "That we deeply deplore the serious growth of Sabbath desecration and would strongly reiterate the resolution of last year regarding the ccmmon custom of picnicking on Sundays and the institution cf week-end Excursions. We would also add that common observation shows that the consumption of liquor' in week-end camps is seriously great, especially among youths. In this connection it may be noted that there in a painful lack of parental control

observed in these camps. Young people spend days and nights under no supervision, and at an age when they should be under strict guardianship. The same applies to all those young people who travel late at night and are out at all hours without &Uy oversight. In view of these facts, therefore, wa affectionately urge on all our people by word1 and deed to discountenance in every possible way the in goring of claims of this holy day." ; ' " - The Rev. C. Abernathy read newspaper extracts showing that the Christchurch Cycle Corps and the Canterbury Engineers had done Territorial work on Sundays. A layman said his sons had been severely censured for refusing to drill on.Sundays. While be was in church one Sunday the Volunteers were shooting not far away. It was a disgrace, r

The Rev. J. A. Laxford said' he had found tho drill instructors at work in camp dxiring church hours. He wrofc'3 to the Prime Minister asking that service be held in. all camps on Sundays, and the reply was that the matter would receive consideration.

A layman said the demand that young men should drill on the day of rest in peace was a fanatical whim. If a man servant, worked that day he had to be paid. The motion was carried, and the matter of Sunday drill was referred to the committee, which will frame a suitable resolution.

A letter from the Presbyterian Sunday Alliance Committee regarding a scheme for bringing about a bettor observance of Sunday was read, and sympathy with the idea was expressed. It was also agreed that the conference direct that a, sermon be preached during the year in all our churches on "The claims of the Christian Sabbath."