METHODIST BIBLE CLASS UNION.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 844, 16 June 1910, Page 9

METHODIST BIBLE CLASS UNION.

Tho second item on the winter programme of the Wellington District Young Men's Methodist Bible Class Union took the form of a debate held at tho W.Y.M.1., Petone, on Tuesday evening. A brako had been hired for the occasion, and about 25 visitors sitting four deep set out for Petone. Alexander's hymns helped to brighten the way, and were "lifted" with a force which woko Petone. The meeting was attended by about 50 men, and was opened with a hymn and prayer by the president, the Rev. A. B. Chappell, M.A. The secretary announced that a union fellowship meeting would bo held at Tnranalci Street Classroom on Thursday, June 30, and that the next of the series of monthly gatherings would bo a lecture to bo given by Mr. Poole, M.P., on Wednesday, July 13. j 'It was announced • that Mr. A. S. Doust, vice-president, was at present in Auckland on the occasion of his marriage, and accordingly the following 'resolution was passed:—"The Wellington Alethodist Young Men's Biblo Class Union tenders its heartiest congratulations to its vice-president, Mr.' A. S. Doust, on the occasion of his marriage, and prays that God's richest blessing may rest upon his futuro life." Tho secretary was instructed to wiro Mr. Doust in terms of this resolution. Mr.' J. Eaine, secretary of the union, stated that, owing to his removal to Auckland, it was with regret that ho Vas compelled to tender his resignation. Tho resignation was reluctantly . accepted, and Mr. W. , J. Muldoon, assistant secretary and treasurer, was unanimously appointed secretary, and Mr. P. N. Clark assistant-secretary and treasurer. The subject for the, debate was: "Should the British Empire Lead the Way' in the Deduction of Armament?" Mr. W. 11. Godier, seconded by Mr. Oxenham, opened for the affirmative, his contention being that in the interests of universal peace it could devolve only upon tho, strongest nation to lead in a reform of this nature. Mr. H. S. Hart, seconded by Mr. J. Raine, speaking in the negative, contended that it was in the interests of tho world, as well, as those of tho British nation that slio should maintain her present armament, as this was the surest way of maintaining peace. It was too speculative and hypothetical to talk of disarmament, as there was no guarantee that other nations would follow suit. Tho question on being put to the meeting was declared a draw. At the closo of the meeting refreshments wero handed round to tho visitors, and a successful and enjoyable evening brought to a close. Tho lecture to be given by Mr. Poole, M.P., on July 13, will be thrown open to the public, and a collection will bo made in.aid of the funds for the annualcamp of the union, to bo held at Wellington next Easter.