ATTITUDE OF CHURCHES.

Chronicle (Levin), 20 July 1949, Page 7

ATTITUDE OF CHURCHES.

WELLINGTON, July 19. Commentiug on the compulsory militarv training issuc, tlie New Zealauo Int'or-Churcli Council on Pubiic Affairs in a statement issued tonight, states that tlie council notes with appreciation the Prime Minister's statement in which he reeognises the justice of allowing both points of view to be ex[iressed over the air on the qucstion, and his arrangements to give effect to it. The statement adds: "The council also applauds the Governinent 's decision not to allow wet canteens in the training camps. " Tlie pubiic questions conimittee of tlie Congregational I'nion of New Zealainl, in a statement on the same subject, savs the issue is $ most serious matter and a clioiee: in the referendum must not be lightly made. The neeo for military service in defence of oui frcedoni might conm a ui it; • fair to provide that those who v, uiiM be called to take up arms, should ai least be traiued as far as is possible to do so, in timo of peaee. The conimittee adds: "The question appears to be, is it oruS'it not good government to make such a system . lawful 1 That is the -question tlie Government is asking its citizens to de cide. In the present world situation we lielieve the answer to be in the affirmative." The conimittee expresses the opiuion that the surest defence against all forms of totalitarianism is the replacement of the present secular system of education with oue that will give our Western freedom a truly Christian content. The ('Oimnittee applauds tlie Government 's' de'cision not to allow wet canteens in camps and trusts it will provide adequate means whereby the . moral and spiritual welfare of the trainees will be safeguarded and theii conseientious scruploe reSpected.