TRUE DEMOCRACY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23700, 5 July 1940, Page 11

TRUE DEMOCRACY

A RELIGIOUS BASIS NEED FOR SAFEGUARDING ADDRESS TO LUNCHEON CLUB Tho need for even-one to contribute something toward safeguarding and upholding the ideals of true democracy was stressed yesterday by the Rev. Gladstone Hughes in an address to members of the Auckland Women's Luncheon Club in the Milne and Chovce Reception Hall. The president, Miss Freda Brookes, presided. Democracy, said the speaker, was a product of Christianity, with its foundations laid deeplj' in the spiritual convictions which had been handed down. It had to have a spiritual basis, for it could not live except in a spiritual atmosphere, and it was only on a Christian basis that people were able to make their contribution. There was an imperative need for iill to grasp this truth and to see that their children did likewise. If people lost sight of this fact, no power in the world could save them.

It was becoming clear to all that the present conflict was against forces which would destroy democracy and all it involved. Religion was being attacked in Russia, Italy and Germany, and there was really no difference between the methods of attack in these three countries. Their aims were the same, to attack the youth of each country, as the young people were more .easily influenced. In Germany to-day children had no respect for their parents and the parents had no control over their children. The latter were taught that their first loyalty was toward the Fuehrer.

In conclusion, Mr. Hughes said that in time of national emergency all men and women in New Zealand should, as true democrats, be prepared to place themselves under discipline. Prior to the address, Miss Brookes announced that the sum of £3O had been raised by members of the club on their day at the Red Cross shop. Members had also agreed to provide the supper and assist at the Welcome Club on September 28. It was decided to donate two guineas each to Sister Esther, the Brett Memorial Home and the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society. Songs were given by Miss Beryl McCullough, who was accompanied on the piano by Miss Gwenda Weir. The hostesses were Mrs. N. H. Dixon, Mrs. F. E. Holland and Miss Morfett.