PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 261, 8 November 1906, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

RELIGION AND FAMILY LIFE. I

ABOLITION OF THE TOTE. (By Telejraph.—Press Association.) * DUNEDIN, Wednesday. At the Presbyterian General Assembly the Rev. J. B. Burrell submitted a long report on the state of religion, in which was embodied summaries of the replies of sessions and the home missionary to seven questions. The mover said some of the features were favourable, but there were other matters to be regretted. Family life appeared to be destitute of a religious basis, and pleasures were apt to be overdone. Young people, though connected -with the church, showed no strong tendency to become full members, and the mid-weekly prayer meeting had dwindled to almost vanishing point. A deliverance was adopted, which among other things, appealed to parents and guardians to seek the hallowing of family life, that the home may by its purity and happiness be able to withstand the attractions of questionable pleasures. Pleasure was expressed at the widespread agitation against the totalisator and betting and gambjUng generally, and at the promise of the Government to introduce legislation on the subject. All Presbyterians are called upon to fulfil their citizenship in uncompromising fidelity to the Gospel of Christ, ever paying supreme regard to the bearing of all civic questions upon that Kingdom which is righteousness and joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.

On the motion of the Rev. Dr. Gibb it was resolved that the Assembly calls tipon the Government to carry through a measure for the abolition of the licensed totalisator, and to take such other steps as may help to suppress the gambliig mania which is both widespread and productive of immense- harm to the morals of the community. The temperance report submitted stated that solid advance had been made in the cause of temperance. The value of the figures of the last local option poll—Continuance, 182.544; no licence, ]9S,76S—could hardly be over-estimated. Judging by the facts before the committee from no-licence electorates, there seemed to be a reducttion of crime, serious and petty, of from 62 "to 75 per cent. The report was briefly discussed, and consideration adjourned.

The report on Maori Missions was brought up. It was resolved to adopt the report, to thank the committee, to express gratitude to God for another year of rich blessing, to heartily commend the establishment of so many Sunday schools round Taupo, to agree to s recommendation to appoint Miss Spencs as deaconess in Maori Mission work »' Taupo at a salary of £80, to express satisfaction at the improvements to tnfe manses of missionaries, and the erection of a church building at Taumarunui, to authorise the transfer of £ 200 from the Maori Mission to the school fund. It w 33 also resolved that the Assembly rejoices in the measure of success that has crowned the year's efforts of the missionaries and teachers, and to commend them anew to the prayers of the coagre" gations. The Church Extension Committee's reports were considered. That referring to the Northern Church was adopted, the committee being authorised to make special grants to Taumarunui, Waitotara and other necessitous localities- 1* was decided to approve of the establish--ment of collecting agencies in each congregation, and in this connection *°, respectfully solicit the co-operation °i the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union. The report of the Southern Commiuce was also adopted.