POCKET FLASKS RUIN OF GIRLS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 485, 15 October 1928, Page 14

POCKET FLASKS RUIN OF GIRLS

REV. LIONEL FLETCHER’S ATTACK “If I could tell you what I know, and if the lips of other ministers could be unsealed from sacred promises. the people of New Zealand would be roused from their apathy.” This statement was made by the Rev. Lionel Feltcher before an audience of 3,000 people in the Town Hall last evening, when he referred to the prevalence of drinking among girls encouraged by the practice of men carrying hip-pocket flasks. Stating that the remarks made by him at Whangarei had received wide newspaper publicity, he said he did not go out of Auckland to make statements regarding city life. He would say them to Auckland people. “In these last few weeks I have had cases brought to my knowledge which are so terrible that they nearly break my heart,” he said. Mr. Fletcher continued that more men in New Zealand were carrying hip-flasks than ever before, and fathers, who heard of this, caught their breath with fear and wondered what would become of their daughters. SUNDAY SCHOOL SERVICES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Mass singing by the children was a feature of the three services of the 76th anniversary of the Beresford Street Congregational Sunday School, held in the Town Hall yesterday. There were large attendances. At the morning service the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher spoke on “The Need of Auckland,” and urged the necessity for the Christian training of children, in the homes. At the afternoon service, which was broadcast from IYA, Mr. Feltcher gave an address for the children. Solos were given by Nf*n Gemmell and May Rattray, and Ruth Goudie gave a recitation and song. Special items were given by the “tiny tots” at both morning and afternoon services.

In the evening Mr. Fletcher spoke to an audience of 3,000 on “Beauty and the Beast ” During the evening an anthem, “I Waited for the Lord,” was given by the choir. Collections at all services were in aid of the funds of the London Missionary Society. Services were held yestex’day in connection with the Northcote Presbyterian Sunday School. The three services were largely attended and were conducted respectively by the Revs. W. Gilmour, T. Halliday and E. Hill. The singing of the children was a special feature.