FREE TO WORSHIP

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21082, 8 April 1940, Page 6

FREE TO WORSHIP

REVERENT THANKS GIVEN (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday A contrast between New Zealand, with its freedom of worship, and the countries where religion was opposed by persecution, was emphasised by Bishop Brodie in a sermon at the Centennial service in the Roman Catholic Cathedral to-day. “Contemporary history tells us,” he said, “of nations whose religion and most sacred principles are thwarted and opposed by persecution, even unto martyrdom. Coming to our own lands, where we enjoy a citizenship in which personal faith is held in respect, we thank God that our Government and civic authorities invite us to commemmorate our centenary of nationhood. We do so most readily and most fervently. “The freedom of worship which is enjoyed by citizens in every part of the British Dominions prompts us to invoke the exhortation, ‘Let us give thanks to God, for thiz is truly meet and just.’ “If present days be darkened by the gloom of war, that gloom is brightened by the thought that New Zealand’s sons will eclipse the generosity and bravery of the Great War, by the response they will make to a cause far surpassing in urgency and sacredness the motives of the call to duty which summoned our men to arms in 1914, and which brought forth deeds of heroism which have written New Zealand’s name in letteis of gold in the world s history.” 1.C.1. Dividend Cabled advice has been received from London that the board of directors of Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, has recommended a final dividend of 5 per cent actual on the ordinary stock, payable on July 1. This makes a total dividend of 8 per cent, unchanged, for the year ended December 31. Pipelines transport gas from the Texas Panhandle to sections of 14 States, including Texas.