OPENED WITH PRAYER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 163, 13 July 1933, Page 6

OPENED WITH PRAYER

FARMERS’ CONFERENCE A NEW DEPARTURE. WELLINGTON. July 12. The thirty second annual conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was opened to-day in the Dominion Farmers’ Institute by the Acting-Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates). For the first time, the conference was opened with prayer. Archbishop Averill, the Primate, composed ihe prayer, which was read by Bishop iprott. It was as follows: ■ O Father of light, from Whom cumeth •very 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 rhe same, through Jesus Christ our Lord.—Amen. Mr. Coates’ address to the delegates is reported under separate headings. Over seventy delegates, representative of every district in New Zealand, were present. The Dominion president (Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P.) presided. There were also present- His Lordship Bishop Sprott, who read the inaugural prayer; the Minister of Agriculture Hon. C. E. Macmillan); the Hon. A. D. McLeod; and Mr. L. A. Paish, British Trade Commissioner in New Zealand. After the opening proceedings, the conference commenced the business of the consideration of reports and remits. The conference is expected to Mt till Friday.