C.E.M.S.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1652, 20 January 1913, Page 8

C.E.M.S.

STEADY GROWTH.,.

SOCIAL UNREST DISCUSSED. The annual report of tho Church of England Men's Society, read, at tho conference held in Nelson last week! stated that tho past year had been again one of steady growth. The number of branches hand increased from 131 to 141, and tho members from 2300 to 2500, besides at least another . 100 ivho were at preseilt unattached to any branch. Open Air Services. Mr. R. Hi Thorpe (Sydenham) moved: "That the Diocesan and Federation Councils; bo recommended to take every possiblo step to conduct and : maintain open air services, and where possiblo to arrange tor training classes to enable members possessing the necessary gifts to prepare themselves for this work." ■ . Mr. J. C. Adams said the inside meetings did not as a rule reach those persons who they wanted to. : The. only way to reach them was by turning themselves into missionaries and interesting them in. spiritual matters. The difficulty was to get men to openly'declare themselves on the side of God. ■■ ■.■

Mr. C. J. Tunks (Auckland) said that open air addresses were to' be given on the Wharf at Auckland 'during Lent.

.Archdeacon Scdgwick said they should bo bravo and go forth among the people. It must, be. donfc ; thoroughly, and it would prove a power for good. Bishop Sadher said lie 'regarded the motion as one of the most'.importnnt-.on the paper. Tho laymen should throw themselves heartily into'the work, and ho ono would be more surprised than they would bo at the rissult of thfcir wofk. He hoped tho Men's Society would tako the matter up, but suitable men must be selected who had a definite message to deliver. should ; be- studied, long addresses were dangerous, as .they became wearisome. One thing absolutely necessary, however, was definitcness of message. There was nothing' more necessary than open air work, and nothing more prolific in its results. He would bo only too happy to assist in the work. . '.

Tho Primate said when ho was a rector in ! Staffordshire ho had plenty- 6f -outdoor ' preaching among the poorer' classes. In one city he purchased q.public-house, which was afterwards converted 'into a preaching place. Ho sympathised heartily with tho motion.

Mr. M'Laren said that the l{ev. D. Evaris,' of Caversham, had consented to train classes for open air preachers.' The motion was then put and 1 carried unanimously. . Industrial Problems. The Rev; F. W. .Chatterton ;moved: "That „ the conference consider h(>w tho C.E.M.S. can efficiently- help' in solving industrial problems, 'so as to secure industrial peace, and the social and religious welfare of niaiiual and other wdrkers." He said the-remit came from Devonport. Ho thought the matter should not bo passed 'over, and. some resolution should bo passed by the conference. It was-absurd to think any single organisation' could solve such difficult problems.' Tho extension of a little sympathy often tended to remove, obstacles. He suggested " that the branches of the - C.E.M.S. might' allocate .one or two members to study industrial and social questions, and try and-under-stand what lies at . the root of the social unrest. The' Church would have to face these problems, otherwise it would not mako headway in the- future. " -He had come in' touch with somo. Of the'leaders of tho labour unions, and had discussed somo questions with them, pointing out what he considered were fallacies in their dealing with the question. Thero would bo no solution of these "problems 'without sympathy being shown with the workers. On the motion being seconded; Mr. Henderson pointed out that .it was a political question, and tho C:E.M;f>. was not a political body. ' ■ ■ _ ' Messrs. Boyce and Wilby supported Mr. Chatterton's, proposal,' deeming that it -would assist to remove the prejudices which .existed among many-workers' regarding tho Church. •, Tho Primate said they were brought face to face with tho social unrest. They would ■liay.6 to look, at it, nhd to understand it. He reminded them that God taught care for bodies as well as souls. If 250'0f their members studied the social questions, it might' knock a little rubbish out of their minds, and they might be better for it. It was quite true, as remarked by Mr. Henderson, the' House of Commons had not solved the industrial problems. ' • Tho Bishop of Wellington spoke :at length. He thought, the Socialism: prevailing was materialistic Socialism, which attributed all existing evils to economical causes. Christianity would not admit that faulty environment was the cause or root of existing evils, but is to be'fouhd in the human being. .Until .the human being is regenerated the evils will exist. Speaking on the motive for improving environments, he urged tho Church's motive was spiritual 6eeing that men are, the sons of God, and they should not livo in squalor an 4 slums. He recommended the members to prooure and study Mazzini's book entitled "The Duty of Man," which showed materialistic Socialism did not appeal to fnan's moral and spiritual nature. ; , Leave was given to Mr. Chatterton to withdraw the remit. He then moved the following, which was seconded, and carried without; dissent: "That the branches of tho C.E.M.S. be encouraged as far 'as possible, in view of the present 'great Social unrest, to mako a study of social and economic questions." .