CHURCH AND STATE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3899, 4 December 1928, Page 6

CHURCH AND STATE.

AN ASSEMBLY LUNCHEON. ’ WELFARE OF THE DOMINION. AUCKLAND, November 27. “ There is a lot of mischievous non* sense talked about politicians,” said the Rev. Professor Hewitson, who presided at the Presbyterian General Assembly luncheon to-day. “ Politicians are just as good as you are,” he declared amid laughter. “ They represent us.” Seven of the local members of Parliament— Messrs M. J. Savage, J. S. Fletcher, A. J. Stall worthy, A. Harris, J. B. Donald, W. Parry and G. Munns —accepted the invitation to be present at the luncheon. Professor Hewitson urged that if the men who administered the laws had to undergo special training, so assuredly should those who made them. He spoke of those whose vision was so limited that they did not know there was any other land south of*Cook Strait. “Compromise,” he declared, “ you have to have it. If you are a married man but the rest of the sentence was drowned in a shout of laughter. “ Vefy well, I see you understand,” he said, as he passed on to the next point. On behalf of the guests Mr Savage returned thanks for the invitation extended to them. He agreed with the moderator that members of Parliament were not treated with the seriousness they deserved, because Hiey could do a great amount of harm. Mr A. Harris, speaking as an old parliamentary man, claimed that most members had a wide knowledge of the problems with which they had to deal, and were actuated by* a sincere desire to do their best for their country. Members of Parliament and ministers had much in common, and both were shock- * ingly underpaid. Mr J. S. Fletcher, speaking with regard to the South Island being overlooked, said he believed he could say with every confidence that they were going to give them the next Prime Minister from the South Island. Mr J. B. Gow, M.L.C., responded on behalf of the assembly find expressed pleasure at the “ rapprochement ” between Church and State.