WINE AT WEDDINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20894, 9 June 1931, Page 10

WINE AT WEDDINGS.

CONCERN OF PRESBYTERIANS. MINISTERS SURPRISED. There was abundant evidence of an increase i" tho use of wine at weddings, said the report of the Temperance Committee, presented to the Presbyterian General Assembly in Wellington last week. Ministers, said the report, had written of temperance weddings and had been surprised to find wine where it was not expected. One minister wrote: "In the majority of the marriages of even our church people wine is furnished, though invariably with the option of soft drinks." Several ministers referred to the discourtesy where no option was offered. The report proceeded: " The question of whether ministers should preside at wedding breakfasts where wine is furnished has been raised, but your committee would urge thnt stronger efforts be made to educate our people against such ;i custom before so drastic a stop id taken, and would urge further, that where church halls arc let for wedding receptions/ it be on tho understanding that no alcoholic' Leverages bo furnished." It, was decided to instruct Presbyteries to renewed action in regard to tomperan'Ce education among tho congregations, to the matter of drink at cabarets and to tho question of the use of wine at. weddings along tho lines recommended in- the rapport.