METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 76, 25 February 1930, Page 5

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

SUNDAY EXCURSION TRAINS. VIEWS ON GAMBLING. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 24. It was to-day reported to the Methodist Conference that the church had co-operated with other denominations in a protest to the Minister of Railways concerning the evil influences of Sunday railway excursions, but in spite of the solid front of the churches, no satisfaction had yet been obtained and the evil promised to be carried to greater lengths than ever during the coming months. The committee recommended the conference to urge all congregations to pass resolutions of protest and, wherever practicable, to'form deputations to wait on the local members of Parliament to ask the Government to reverso its policy in this matter. The recommendation was unanimously adopted by the conference. On the subject of gambling, the committee expressed regret at the reappearance of art unions for the raising of money, and its disappointment at permits being granted by the Government for that purpose. It had protested to the Minister against the proposed Gaming Bill, providing for further facilities in connection with gambling. It had further protested against art unions in connection with public school bazaars, believing them to be antagonistic to the best interests of tlie children.

The conference was addressed in committee by Hon. L. M. Isitt, M.L.C., and it was decided to protest against the increased facilities granted for art unions, believing that the modern art union was entirely contrary to the intention of the original act.