POLITICIANS ARRAIGNED

Northern Advocate, 20 December 1932, Page 6

POLITICIANS ARRAIGNED

OUTSPOKEN CRITICISM

A JASPER CALDER SERMON.

FIGHT FOR JUSTICE URGED,

(Special to “Northern Advocate.")

AUCKLAND, This Day,

“If our legislators open Parliament with prayer, asking God’s help, and then proceed to frame laws which arc contrary to all human nature, they are hypocrites,” said the Rev. Jasper Calder on Sunday evening at the Epiphany Church in the course of a stirring sermon dealing with unemployment and the lack of practical sympathy shown by authorities.

“I cannot understand the mental outlook of our leaders in doing the things they have done,” continued the speaker, who mentioned the reductions of old-age pensions, stand-down time for workers and the latest proposal to out relief wages. It was easy to understand the pitiful stories of troubles and needy people with hungry children, but difficult to understand the leaders of the people. Would Christ have tolerated what is being done? His opinion Avas that politicians who required to be recalled in the House by the ringing of a boll in order to ensure a majority A r ote on some bill, could not be much troubled about to-day’s conditions.

After referring to the pionpers of Britain who came here, CAtt out all the thrills of aristocracy and, as good Christians, reared families, Mr. Calder said that if the latest generations had clung to the teachings of Christ things AA'ould be different to-day. What was wanted Avas a reviA’al of the fighting race—rtot people who fought by ’the sword, burnt churches, broke Avindows and created community chaos—but fighters for justice who were blessed with the milk : of human- kindness and recognised the general welfare of all. Seddon’s Example. Richard John Seddon and his henchmen stone-walled a bill in Parliament for 72 hours because it was known to be wrong. He wished Seddon was here now. There Avould be no putting men out of AA'ork from a council and raising' the salaries of others the’same day. Real statesmen would not show coldblooded indifference to the sufferings of the people. The other day a woman Avent to the Labour Bureau to get an order for rations for her family, as she had no money to buy food during the “14 days” ahead. On being informed that nothing could be done for her she called her five children together and told them to stay in the office there and the official behind the counter

would look after them. Then she started away for home, but was promptly recalled and given an order. She was a mother fighting for her children. All unemployed and impoverished parents could not do that, but it had served in that one instance. People who were asking’ unavailiiigly of the Labour Department and Hospital Board, came to the City Mission, but owing to lack of funds could 'not be helped much. If things got much worse the mission would have to be closed, too. “Things Are All Wrong.”

“I am not being disloyal to the Church when I say things are all wrong. In Synod the clergy did not say much for fear of being misunderstood. IlaA’e avc got to give in because avc might be misunderstood or offend people? I Avas pleased to see .the Archbishop’s letter protesting against the cut in relief pay. We simply haA’e to do something to rouse the authorities, or else hungry people will rebel in the wrong way. There are many sins, but surely none worse than the cry of children being left hungry. ‘‘ I belieA'e we should all join in a great procession led by the Cross of Christ, carrying our banners. All denominations could join in until the procession was thousands strong. Such a monster demonstration of'people who bclieA’e things are wrong and who want justice Avould demand attention. I believe AA r e could got a deputation to wait on the Archbishop to lead in the cause of righteousness in a march without a stick or a stone, but Avith the banner of Christ at the head. Mine is only a A'efy lonely A’bice crying out. We havp to remember that Christ not only denounced moral wrongs, but social ones too.

“Parliament is closing doAvn o\ r er the holidays to consider a policy. God forgive them that they will fight OA'er policies, when hungry children are crying out.”