N.C.C. Secretary Impressed By Youth Conference

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30953, 8 January 1966, Page 14

N.C.C. Secretary Impressed By Youth Conference

Nothing could be more encouraging to a church worker than to be in the midst of such a conference as this, said the general secretary of the National Council of Churches (the Rev. D. M. Taylor) yesterday, when he commented on the Fourth Ecumenical Youth Conference in Hamilton.

“The 1500 present made an assembly of absolutely magnificent young people,” said Mr Taylor. Their contribution to the life in New Zealand in years to come will be extremly valuable. “The addresses by Dr. D. T. Niles made a deep impression on all. The derhand for duplicated copies of his address was so overwhelming that the task became impossible. “The Rev. Alan Brash was at the top of his form. He gave a world wide vision to many young people and fired them with a desire to serve abroad.” Dr. S. Nababan, of Indonesia, was unable to be present at the opening but by the end of the conference, many were regretting that they had not had more opportunity to hear from him, said Mr Taylor. Delegates found him a dy--1 namic personality who “pulled no punches” and helped New

Zealand Christians to understand the Indonesian way of life. There was a tremendous amount of singing during the week but the most outstanding hymn which was new to everyone was “Christ is the Lord of the smallest atom." Mr Taylor said the achievement of Mr Francis Dennis in his training and conducting of both the choir and the entire assembly was tremendous.

Commenting on a report from an overseas student that the services of worship were too frequently Methodist or Anglican, Mr Taylor said the 26 periods of worship were conducted by nine ministers of different denominations. He said that the Asian students were unable to detect the denomination of the different ministers because they were not labelled.

Figurine Stolen A rare china figurine depicting a Spanish matador and bull has been stolen from a Sydney store. The figurine, worth £B4O, is one of five identical pieces imported from Britain. One of the pieces was exhibited in a Christchurch store last year.—(Sydney.)