The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1946 Dear Sir,

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 60, 9 December 1946, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1946

Dear Sir,

Letters to the Editor must be clearly written on one side of the paper only and where a nom-de-plume is used the name of the writer must be included for reference purposes. The Editor reserves the light to abridge, amend or withhold any letter or letters.

RELIGIOUS POLITICS

Sir, —In your issue of Friday, November 22nd there appeared an article, “Just Thoughts.” Casually I read it through. Most of it was honest Christian philosophy but towards the end came these phrases: “Worship of the State,” “Christians see to it that you make no mistake about the freedom on November 27th next Wednesday” etc. Well, I ask you? “Just Thoughts!” Harmless looking, nicely centred between racing notes and advertising, it was nothing more or less than political sponsoring under the guise of Christian philosophy. Having read a previous article by some Christian Frontier Movement (which is an offshoot of the Christian Order Campaign) I am inclined to group the two. I may be wrong, but the thing that stands out is the fact that the motive behind the article was political and directed against a particular party; the philosophy being the sugar coating round the poison. What are we coming to when the churches are allowing themselves to be used in this manner? Too' frequently these days we see political inferences in church broadcasts and always directed one way against the Government of the day. Subtle hints about ‘freedom,’ ‘state this and that’ etc. Let me just say this: The principal duty of Government is to keep the State on "a sound footing,'to minister to the material needs of the people as far as is financially possible and by so doing maintain a state of order and natural security. The work of the church is to look after their spiritual needs. With freedom of worship etc., they have unlimited opportunities for so doing. But when Christian organisations start to dabble ifi politics they are ultimately forced to take sides and “Just Thoughts” proves it. Platform, pulpit, soap-box, press and radio are available for . the propounding of Truth and Christianity, and there should be no need to use the method of the article above mentioned. Let organisations such as this get out in the open, speak their mincfs, and if they are not furthering the policy of a particular party we will know they mean well. In that case let them form a Christian Movement Party and seek the votes of the people. We would then see whether these movements which prattle so much about “the state” and “freedom” would be able to do any better than the so-called “materialistic Governments” who do their best to give the people “applied Christianity.” The people of New Zealand are today well fed, well clothed and (though a shortage), well housed. What better ground for the application of spiritual guidance? Personally I think the State has given the churches a good lead. Instead of this subtle attempt to undermine the State by inference and catch phrase, let those who boast so much of their ideas, steer clear of

party politics and do -the job of preaching Christianity to all men. Yours etc., “CHALLENGE.” (In fairness to ourselves we must point out that the article complained of is published as an advertisement and is paid for on normal space rates. The sent’iments expressed are entirely the business of the advertiser concerned. Ed.)

WORKERS SEASONAL HOLIDAYS

Sir, —The employees of shop assistants in this town have seen fit this Xmas to deprive their employees of the usual day’s holiday following Xmas Day and Boxing Day. It has been customary in the past to, give this day owing to the travelling difficulties due to Whakatane being more or less an out of the way town. Unfortunately most employees unlike their wage-payers are not in the position to own private transportation and two full days are used up in travelling to and from Auckland. However, the employees concei’ned feel very strongly on their day being taken from them and many plans made weeks ago have had to be altered. We cannot help but think that this new development is a very weak form of protest from the employers at the recently inaugurated 40-hour week ordained by the Government. Those who work and have worked in shops dealing directly with the public know that Xmas and New Year is just one hectic rush full of chaos and confusion, with the shop assistants bearing the brunt of all the whims and fancys of the Xmas shopper. But this they did not at all mind, because they knew that although by 10 p.m. on Xmas Eve they had in service parlance, “had it” they could look forward to. a decent spell and be refreshed for the next rush at New Year. But, unfortunately this Xmas will be different. All plans and arrangements have fallen through and the shop assistant is asked to return to work on the Friday and break what would otherwise have been a well earned rest. Can the employer really expect his employee to give of his best this Xmas with the thought of an interrupted Xmas holiday in mind? Yours etc., I.A.M.T.