BISHOP'S LETTER TO THE CLERGY.

Waiapu Church Times, Volume I, Issue 1, 1 July 1907, Page 14

BISHOP'S LETTER TO THE CLERGY.

The tollowing letter has been sent tio the Clergy of the Diocese by the Bishop. As it will, doubtless, be of great interest to the laity as 'well, we have on oiy: own initiative, included it m this issue. My Dear Erother,— On May 30th, 1906, the House of Commons m England passed the following resolution unanimously :— '•' That this Houste re-affirms it/J. conviction that the Indo-Chinese opium trade is morally indefensible and requests his Majesty's Government to take such steps as may be necessary for bringing at to a speedy close." This has encouraged people m Great Britain who feel strongly the national responsibility for forcing this trade upon China to emphasise their agitation for it® abolition, and a circular has been issued, signed by Bishops and Clergy of the Church of England, as well as others, suggesting that those lv all parts of the world who feel the burden of our national share m this traffic should observe May 30th as a day of intercession and prayer, that God will dispose the British Parliament to adopt without delay such, measures as may secure at no distant •late the entire suppression of this traffic. As the circular did not reach New Zealand m time for us to join m this, it has been suggested that June 30th should be so observed m New Zealand. I. gladly commend this matter to your attention m the hope that you will bring it before your people, and that on that day many may offer their prayers on this behalf, remembering, as the circular reminds us, that '.''Prayer moves the hand that moves the world." Faithfully yours, W. L. WAIAPIT. Napier, June 17th, 1907.