FINANCE.

Waiapu Church Gazette, 1 June 1933, Page 4

FINANCE.

Though the figures to the end of April show that we are approximately £2000 behind last year's figures at this period, there are not wanting signs which give hopes of our obtaining a total at least equal to last year's. For one thing there is a definite turn of the tide at last m regard to prices. Wool, butter, metals, everything show advances. They may be slight, but the fact that the movement is widespread is significant and hopeful. And when once hope permeates the mercantile world the advance will be rapid. Then again no one can fail to see the rising tide of spirituality m the Dominion and, indeed, throughout the Empire. Laymen, as well as clergy, are voicing the heart-hunger for God that exists, and laymen, as well as clergy, are stating that its satisfaction must be found m prayer and an open return to God. All this is to the good, and it will soon manifest itself m fuller churches and greater offerings for the support of the work, both at home and abroad. The arrival m New Zealand of 12 officers of the Church Army is another hopeful factor. With their emphasis on Conversion, Consecration, and Churchmanship, they are likely to win many into the fold and revivify many already there but giving halfhearted allegiance. The parish missions recently held m various places will have the effect to the same ends. These things inspire us with hope. No doubt we . ought to continue to hope and trust even without such signs to aid us; but how much more so when we have their inspiration? To show what can be done for missions, even m a parish hard hit by the depression, we would quote one m the Wellington Diocese. It contains no less than 800 families on "relief" work. It has been asked to raise a quota of £50 and has already sent m to the board £48 10s sd! With such an example before us we can surely hope that every parish will get its quota. The Board asks for unremitting prayer and effort to secure such a result.