ART UNION PROFITS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22348, 20 February 1936, Page 12

ART UNION PROFITS

DISTRIBUTION BY MISSION CHURCH CONFERENCE PROTEST [BY TELtfCRAFH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday The recent distribution of art union profits by the Dunedin Central Methodist Mission, controlled by the Rev. L. B. Neale, raised a protest at the Methodist Conference this morning when tho Hew H. It van (Christchurch) rebuked Mr. Neale for his action. It was later decided to continue the discussion in committee. Mr. Noale said that every month grants were made by the. Government from art union profits. At Christmas a grant was received by the mission with a request that .the mission should administer the money in charitable relief for the Government, with particular attention to old people. "I said at the time that I did not approve of it, but, as it was a Government and not a Church matter, I went through with the distribution," said Mr. Neale. "Previously I have turned down grants of £350 and £o00." Mr. Ryan then declared that, in view of the Church's attitude toward gambling, Mr. Neale should be asked to return the art union money. Murmurs of "Ridiculous" and "No." The president, the Rev. E. P. Blamires, pointed out that he could not rule the motion out of order, but it was regrettable. Finally, on Mr. Ryan's motion, it was decided to complete the discussion in committee at a later date.