SOCIAL EVILS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 21 November 1930, Page 17

SOCIAL EVILS.

METHODIST CONDEMNATION. (J-BESB ASSOCIATION TBMSGBAM.) HAMILTON, November 80. At the South Auckland Methodist Synod this morning, the increase In Sunday desecration was viewed with alarm, A resolution was passed urging the Government to bring pressure on the Railway Department to discontinue excursion trains on Sunday. Synod gave its support to the protests raised over Sunday flying, the following resolution being carried: "We regard the growing practice of Sunday aviation at selected places for demonstration and for purposes of hire, with the utmost disfavour, and respectfully draw the attention of the responsible authorities to this illegal practice, and demand its immediate discontinuance." Synod reaffirmed its belief in the principal of the Bible-in-Schools. Regarding as a weakness the voluntary system of teaching the Bible, as proposed in the new Bill» it recommended those concerned to reconsider the introduction of tho previous provision for all teachers, save those exempted conscientious reasons to conduct Bible reading. i Gambling. ! Following a vigorous indictment of gambling, in the Presidential address, the following resolution was carried: "Synod rejoicos in the success of the churcheß in opposing the addition of clauses to the Gaming Bill, which would have legalised the publication of betting odds, and the laying of beta by telegraph. Synod declares gambling in all forms to be a social vice and the whole system and mania of it agains private honour, personal integrity, an public wealth, and urges Methodists to resist its inroads Into the life °* 0 Dominion. In this condemnation we include art unions and State lotter es. and warn tfur people against participation In these on the specious excuse that the proceeds are for charitable pur poses. A good end does iot condone evil means. Let us see that m our church bazaars and sales of worn we do nothing to encourage the evil y allowing raffles or guessing competitions." Sly-Grog BellingAllegations of wholesale sly-grogging in the King Country, particularly in Ohura, were mada by the Rev. G. HGoodman. In Ohura, although liquor was illegal, there were several hopbeer shops, he said, where alcoholic

liquor was sold openly over the counter. An advertisement appeared recently in a local paper, stating that Ohura boot leggers had, owing to the increased tariff on spirits, raised the price of whisky from 25s to 30s per bottle. A resolution was passed urging the authorities to take immediate action to remedy these glaring evils.