PRAYER OPENS CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1933, Page 7

PRAYER OPENS CONFERENCE

FARMERS’ UNION INNOVATION.

WOMEN’S DIVISION FOLLOWS.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Wellington, July 13.

The thirty-second annual conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union which commenced in the Dominion Farmers’ Institute yesterday, for the first time in the history of the union, was opened with prayer, which was read by the Bishop of Wellington, the Rt. Rev. T. H. Sprott. The prayer was as follows:— O Father of light, from Whom cometh every good and perfect gift, be pleased to bestow upon us, Thy servants assembled in conference, a ray of Thy Divine light and wisdom in all our deliberations and decisions. Help us to realise that Thy Kingdom ruleth over all, and grant that we may never consciously set our own wills against Thy Divine will. Give to us a deep sense of responsibility and stewardship, and a disinterested concern for the highest interests of our country and Empire. Help us to realise that righteousness alone exalteth a, nation, and inspire each and all so to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and goodwill that our country may contribute to that wider fellowship on which depends the peace and happiness of the world. Grant that we may both perceive and know what things we ought to do, and also may we have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord.—Amen.

Following the lead of the men, the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union will in future open its meetings with prayer. A motion to this effect was carried by the division last evening. In moving that meetings should be opened with the Farmers’ Union prayer, Mrs. A. H. Mac Lean (Fordell) said that this had received the approval of all denominations. Mrs. N. Adams (Waitemata) claimed that the prayer was not acceptable to all, and was therefore sectarian. The Jews did not recognise Christ. A voice: There are no Jews among us.

Continuing, Mrs. Adams said that she did not think that they ought to embarrass any members of the division. Catholics disliked praying with persons of other denominations, and the division had no right to create embarrassment. Mrs. J. Piper (Pahiatua) said she did not think the members of her clinch were as nai’row in their views as that. Prayer would hurt no one. The motion, which was seconded by Miss. M. Polson (Wanganui) was carried without further discussion.