MEN’S BROTHERHOOD

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7980, 11 December 1911, Page 6

MEN’S BROTHERHOOD

ADDRESS BY SIR JOHN KIRK. Sir John Kirk, vice-president of the National Brotherhood, and president of Up** Shafk-sbmy Ragged School Union, addressed a, gathering under tho auspices of the local Brotherhood yesterday afternoon in tho New Theatre. Mr J. G* W. Aitkeu presided. Sir Robert Stout, Chief Justice, was among those present. Tho founder oi the Brotherhood movement, Paid Sir John Kirk, was Mr Black, while others who had helped it along were Messrs F. B. Meyer, \V. Ward, and the Rev. Wnkclcy. It had grown out of an adult school movement, which had had its rise mainly in Birmingham, and in which Mr Cadbury, of cocoa * a ™ e » and others had helped considerably. Tho ntlwidaiiffs hod improved since the religious spirit had been infused. Whilst the good work done by the women members had been fully recognised, experience had suggested that it was better to look rather for meetings for men. Individual cases, where movements had progressed rapidly were cited, particularly that in East llam, where three thousand met together every Sunday* Thx> singing at these gatherings was the best he had over hoard. At tho conclusion of the address, Sit Robert Stout proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Sir John Kirk. (Applause.) One thing that had struck him was tho extreme modesty of their visitor. During his recent visit to England (proceeded Sir Robert) ho had been struck with tho fact that tho present leaders of thought and philanthropic movements wore men who were modest, and shy of saying about their work. it was our blame in New Zealand if we did not make the nation out here greater in some respects than that at Homo, whore conditions wore not such as here. (Applause.) AT ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

Hir John Kirk, was tho preacher at St. John's Church last evening. lie spoke upon tho work of tho flagged School movement, of which he is tho active head- lie paid a warm tribute to lord Shaftesbury, who had done so much to assist the movement- During tho forty-seven years ho had been connected with tho -work he had witnessed many changes in tho treatment .of children. Ho was confident that still belter things were in store for the young life of tho nation. Not many years ago there was not a law on the statute book for the protection or welfare of children. At present 00,000 children a day wen* being fed at State schools, mostly out of charity. Tho movement reckoned to reach 100,000 of London’s poor every week, and this was effected with tho help of 0000 volunteer workers. A PRESENTATION. TO EEV. AND MRS BLAMIRES. Tho Wellington. Brotherhood goes into recess for about three months during the summer. At tho "broak-un" mooting yesterday, at the conclusion of Sir JoTm Kirk's address, Mr Edward Arnold, on behalf of the committee, eulogised the work which tho president of the Brotherhood (Rev. Blamires) and Mrs Blamircg had accomplished, and presented them with a framed address. ‘Various members of tho committee added further tributes, and both Mrs and Mr Blamires responded