MINISTERS AS COMBATANTS

Otago Witness, Issue 3234, 8 March 1916, Page 53

MINISTERS AS COMBATANTS

DISCUSSION BY METHODIST CONFERENCE. AUCKLAND, March 6. The question whether ministers should volunteer as combatants was discussed by the Methodist Conference on a motion by Mr Rosevear: "That as from tho ministry, theological college, and the homo mission field so largo a number of men have enlisted in iho forces the Church is unable to cope with the present urgent requirements, in the judgment of tho Conference our Churoh has contributed from theso sources every man it can possibly spare. A number of delegates opposed' the motion. The Rev. C. Bond said that whilst he deplored tho large nuanber of men who had gone from the ministry, he would not raise a finger to flop anyone from going who felt that: ho should go. The Rev. S. Lawrv said that like some business people, (he Methodist Church might say, "Wo cannot carry on our business if you take away cur men." On the other hand lie felt that it would lie a wrong thing to say to a minister, " You cannot "go unless you resign." It was unanimously decided that the motion should not be put to the Conference. WELCOME SOCIAL. Tho Mount Cargill School recently was crowded to tho door with an enthusiastic gathering to welcome Private August Souquot, who, a month ago. was invalided home from Egypt, but who will shortly be returning to the front. Mr Holdcn, chairman (on behalf of the Mount Cargill people) extended a hearty welcome to Private Souquet, and spoke in highly complimentary terms of the gallant spirit which had prompted him to offer his services to his King and country. Private Souquet returned thanks. After a splendid programme, provided by local and Dunedin singers, supper was handed round, and the school was cleared for dancing. THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND-BORN SOLDIER TO ARRIVE IN FRANCE ON ACTIVE SERVICE. Wo have received a short note from Corporal W. B. Bridger (whoso photograph we publish among our illustrations) forwarding a label attached to a frozen sheep ''sent to us at tho front for our Christmas dinner. Home seemed nearer!"' Tho label is that of the Wellington Farmers' Meat Co., Ltd., Works, Taratahi. On the reverse side it is inscribed "W.F.M., Wairarapa, 407." Corporal Bridget - writes: —"Somewhere in Prance. All good wishes for 1916. Tho Christmas number of the Witness was received by me at the front, and has been much admired. Kia Ora ! Tin.' following is my record: Enlisted at Whitehall, August 7. 1914; arrived in France, August 16. 1914 ; slightly wounded January 5, 1915; invalided home (brain fever and frost-bitten toes). March 6, 1915: returned to France August 26, 1915. At front Christmas. 1915. Regret I am not permitted to state where I am or name of division. Wo are going to win this dreadful war—to end it we must win it. God blees you all in far-off New Zealand."