CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3754, 23 February 1926, Page 73

CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS.

QUARTERLY MEETI.\d OF COUNCIL. The quarterly meeting of the Council of Christian Congregations was held on Thursday, the Rev 11. E. Bellhouse presiding over a large attendance of representatives from all denominations. Mr H. II Driver reported that in con nection with the hospital services on Sunday mornings he had approached the matron, who had stated that most of the nurses had their own religious connections, and therefore did not consider attendance necessary at the 10 a.m. service. The matter had conqseuently been dropped in the meantime. The granting of £lO to the Testament Fund and £lO each to the missionary and religious Education Courts at the-Exhibi-tion by tho executive was confirmed. In connsction with Holy Week services during Easter it was decided to hold united services in Trinity Methodist Church on tho Wednesday night, and i n Knox Church on Good Friday-morning. It was decided to urge all church people to observe fittingly Anzac Day, which this vear fell on a Sunday, thus eliminating the necessity of special services. ART UNIONS AND EUCHRE. Ihe council once again recorded its condemnation of the alarming increase in gambling in the community. The aspect of the evil which was of greatest moment ufc present was the ever-increasing number of art-unions now being conducted with gold nuggets as prizes. The council also remarked the increase in euchre tournaments with special prizes and trophies offered as the reward of skill. The council considered that in this matter as with the art union question, investigation of the legality of these practices should be made by the Attorney-General. . The Rev Tulloch Yuille moved the resolution against gambling. He dealt with the art union craze and cited Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.. as having stated that he doubted very much whether the legality of such proceedings could be proved. The mineral specimens offered as a prize was merely a blind, the money was paid over by cheque. In the case of euchre tournaments valuable prizes in money and kind were offered, and the effect on the young people of the city was not a good one. The question of euchre tournaments caused a good deal of discussion, some members contending that as far as euchre was concerned they could make no valid objection. The game was officially a game of skill. Before taking action in the matter it was decided to approach the Christchurch council to ascertain the position there. It was decided to protest against the art union menace. SUNDAY OBSERVANCE. Members of the council viewed with alarm the tendency at present abroad to desecrate tbo Sabbath, and wished to protest against the wholesale use by the City Corporation and private owners of their buse9 for observation trips and all day trips. Dr Merrin gton moved that a protest be made against the limiting of facilities for worship and the wanton desecration of a day which was sacred to so many.