CHURCH RAFFLES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10896, 10 May 1921, Page 9

CHURCH RAFFLES

TO BE DISCONTINUED AT OTAKI. . The question of holding raffles and lotteries at church bazaars was coneidered at the annual meeting of parishioners- at Otaki (writes the “Times” special correspondent), -when Air Ij. S- George moved that all raffles and lotteries in connection with church work be discontinued. He considered the church should set an example in such things, and not encourage gambling in any shape, or form. He admitted that he had been an offender, hut still was in favour of stamping out the evil for the sake of the .children. The motion was seconded by Air Walter Best! Mr Lethbridge, in support, said he did not hold with raffles, and thought “Aunt Sally,” shooting galleries, etc., a much better channel in w-hich to raise money. Miss Lee said, as a teacher, she had impressed upon, the children the evils of gambling, yet in the face of this raffles were held at bazaars; which cut the' ground from under her feet. She knew churches, where such forms of raising money had been, obliterated, and stated they had made better pro- | gross By raising money through, more > legitimate sources. The Rev. Petrie agreed, and stated be knew people who held aloof from church work simply because of raffles. Aliss .Nielands also spoke ' strongly against raffles, and said the church 'would lose nothing by doing away' with them. She instanced how young girls had objected about such forme of gambling, and maintained, with a little energy, money could be raised otherwise that Would more than equalise. the amount raised by holding : raffles. The chairman (the Rev. Petrie) con- I sidered the question an important one, , as, no doubt, Alanakau and Te- Horo would be guided" by the decision arrived at. He admitted that raffles were an easy way of making money, and that if they were done away) with church members'would have to work a little harder. He maintained -that bazaars would- have to be made more attractive for young men. The motion, on being put, was carried. there being only one voice (a lady’s) in protest.