THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 14347, 27 October 1910, Page 4

THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.

DISCUSSED AT PRIMITIVE METHODIST SYNOD. The Rev. John Nixon initiated a discussion in the Primitive _ Alethoclist Synod on Tuesday on the opium traffic in China. Me sai'd he intended to bring tho matter tiefore a public meeting, ol which ho was chairman, but for reasons known best to himself he had not done so. He then in a brief -speech mo veil the following refcolution : —1 hat this meeting, believing that the growth and manufacture of opium in India for export to Chinn, enforced by appeal to treaties is “morally indefensible," and a serious hindrance to the influence of Christianity in the East, and that the British name will not he free from reproach, nor China he free to purge herself from this evil, so long as this policy is continued, urges upon hit; Majesty’s Government that without delay (1) China he formally released from treaty obligations to admit opium ; (2) the connection of the Indian Government with tho opium export trade he brought to an end; (3) the financial difficulties created by the cessation of the opium revenue lie met by the British Imperial and Indian Governments in a way that shall not increase the taxation of the mass of the people in India nor injure tho feudatory States concerned. Mrs. .Stannous (Elthnm) seconded the resolution. As one who had taken a great interest in the Chinese she could not understand why England had permitted a traffic which the late laird Beaeonsfield and also (he late Mr. Gladstone had described as nefarious. The Rev. Air. Bailey (Wanganui) said he had received a hook lately on the subject which had opened his eyes to the horrors of the abomination. He cited the Rev. Air. Gutrey in the Old Land as an able advocate for its abolition. The Rev. Air. Gatmnn (Inglewood) could not see how any nation eonld support it, especially a Christian nation like England. It was death to thousands. The Rev. Air. Aletson (Stratford) thought more should ho done than simply bringing it before the Synod. He had intended to bring it liefore his Circuit. Ho would support the resolution, however, as moved by Air. Nixon. The opium traffic was a stain on tho EmTho Rev. Air. AVooloxall said there was no use prolonging the discussion. Tliey were all agreed on the quest ion. He eonld say a groat deal, but did not wish to detain the Synod. The Brcsidcnt, Air. R. Pcpperill, pointed out that nations that did not listen to warnings wore doomed. This opium traffic was tho handwriting on the wall. Righteousness alone established an empire. They must do what they could to remove this stain. The Chairman then put the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Rev. iMr. Nixon moved that the, resolution bo forwarded to his Excellency tho Governor of Now Zealand. — Carried.