THE WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16288, 22 January 1915, Page 6

THE WAR

LUTHERAN CHURCH. SERVICES IN GERMAN. (Fsoh Ous Own Cobrkbpondent.) MARTON, January 21. The allegation at the meeting of the Marton Defence Baflo Club that meetings of Germane were being held secretly, followod by a resolution that the Minister of Defence be asked to stop the aune, otherwise a breach of tho peace might be occasioned, Ws caused a mild sensation throughout the district. The German Committee, however, denies the truth of the statement, and Mr ¥. E. Palm, the master of the looal tierman school, in defence of the atUt uOO adopted concerning the teaching at the school and the holding of services in the German language, .says tbit they would discontinue the services, only with much legret, owing to the number ot old mejjibers who have not a thorough knowledge 01 the English language, and whoee greatest pleasure is to attend church and revive the rich, comforting songs which they memorised in their earlier days. He maintains that at the German services prayers are offered up for tho King and Government, not only since tho outbreak of tho war, but prior to that lamentable occurrence. As for the German taught in their school, they would readily relinquish that if the authorities so desired. "We maintain our school," he says, "and bear its largo sacrifices, not for the maintenance of the German language, but for the bringing up of our ohildren in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, which liberty we feel assured will not be denied us in God's Own Country." The resolution sent to the Hon. J. Allen by the Defence Club is as follows: —"That the attention of the Hon. Minister of Dofenoe be drawn to the fact that it has been refiorted that German residents in Marton and district are holding secret meeting.-', .•which, if persisted in. may lead to a serious breach of the peaoe." With regard to this Mr Palm denies the accuracy of the statement, and he has expressed his intention of personally gaining an interview with the Minister and placing before him the true situation. In the meantime he calls upon all members of tho Lutheran congregation to do nothing which ■would tend to disprove their loyalty and purely pacifio disposition.