DRUGS A GREATER MENACE THAN DRINK IN U.S.A.

White Ribbon, Volume 27, Issue 10, 1 March 1956, Page 6

DRUGS A GREATER MENACE THAN DRINK IN U.S.A.

Drugs, more than drink, now present problems to some l anadian and American churches, says Mr*. P. Carden, President of Dunedin Central Union, who recently returned from attending, as a delegate, the World Conference of the Church of Christ, held in Toronto. Indeed, in Vancouver, where Mrs. Garden spent two weeks and a half before embarking for home, the vice had become so widespread among young people, as well as adults, that anonymous drug clubs had been formed in most churches. Club leaders had been appointed to investigate the cases. Often the addict would be taken to the leader’s home to be clothed and nouris led, both physically and spiritually, as many had sold all they possessed to buy the drug, even resorting to stealing to obtain it. Good results were often obtained by club members, but they were not always lasting. Overland Trio

The six New Zealanders and twenty Australian delegates were shown lavish and kindly hospitality on their way across America to Toronto. Drives were arranged through Vancouver’s 1,000-acre Stanley Park. Church folk in Seattle \ •

showed the visitors round their large city. It was a great thrill to pass over the only concrete pontoon bridge in the world, and also the large floating bridge. They were magnificent sights when lit up at night.

At Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, is a 60,000 acre ranch which I saw. Among the pedigree stock w'as the world’s champion Hereford bull, which had cost £45,000, and £2,000 to ship from England. In Portland, Oregon, the “city of roses,” we were taken to see their famous Garden, with its 10, (XX) bushes, and the largest log cabin in the world.

Churchgoing In American churches, the entire family, “from Grandma to baby,” is catered for. The Denver Church of Christ building had 60 rooms for different age groups, including kindergarten and nursery, where voluntary nurses cared for the babies. Classes began at 9.30 on Sunday mornings.

At Denver we. were shown President Eisenhower’s holiday home, and the church he so regularly attended when in residence at Denver. I was pleased to learn that this city, noted for its carnations, had sent many cases of them to the Queen at the time of her Coronation. The Church Conference programme was a strenuous one, including early breakfast study groups and addresses by many famous churchmen. One of the principal speakers was Dr. Garfield Todd, formerly of Dunedin, but now Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia.

The scenic all-glass domes of the modern stainless steel train which took the visitors through Canada on the homeward journey made the trip over the high peaks of the Rockies an unforgettable and exciting experience. I enjoyed every minute of the four-day journey.