METHODIST CHURCH CONFERENCE
STATISTICAL RETURNS
SYMPATE-3* .VITH LABOUR By Telcsraph—Press Association. Christchurch, March 5. At the Methodist Conference to-day the Welfare of the Church Committee, in presenting the general statistical returns, reported an increase of 436 members and of 146 junior members, of 210 active members of the AVesley Guilds, and of 305 junior members of those guilds, and that the Christian Endeavour Societies' members on probation numbered 19G. Gratification at those figures was somewhat tempered by a decrease of 1562 in the number reported as attendants on public worship and a decrease of 213 communicants. A broad survey of New Zealand Methodism and a careful study of known conditions revealed many tokens of the Divine presence, much unobtrusive piety and sustained devotion on the part of local workers in different activities of the Church. On tho other hand, there was a general consensus of opinion that the Church as a whole was not living up to her privileges and responsibilities, or showing that strong vitality which was so essential to spiritual achievement. The careless, pleasure-loving spirit of the age had invaded the Church, and > large numbers displayed only a languid interest, if any, in thfe spiritual welfare of themseives, their fellow-members, or tho | community in which they lived. The Rev. F. T. Read, formerly chaplain with the forces, said his experiences with the soldiers showed him it was necessary to emphasise the essential. If the soldiers were approached right they could be induced to give themselves to Christ. Conference should insist that ministers must ■give more time to the young people. The Eev. AV. A. Sinclair moved: "That a. special committee be appointed to coneider during the year how tho time devoted to conversation on Church welfare could be utilised to the utmost advantage." This was carried and the report adopted. , The report of the Connectional Sunday School and Young People's Board was presented by the Rec. C. Eaton, who referred especially to tho proposal to appoint an organising secretary for Sunday school and young people's work. It was estimated that each department, couid be carried on fit fi cost of approximately .£4BO to .4500. A resolution approving of tho apoointment was carried by a large majority. Mr. Webb Jones moved: "hat this conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand affirms its full sympathy with Labour in its efforts to secure its just, fair, and equitable rights, including improved conditions, increased wages, and shelter hours, and pledges itself to assist Labour to that end, and recommends that at least once a quarter addresses should be specially devoted to industrial problems." 'Mr. AVebb Jones suggested that tho Church should uphold the principle of a 42 hours' week to start with. If the Chul-ch wanted to bo with Labour, and if they wanted Labour to bo with tho Cliurcli, the Church.would have to help Labour. It was high time something practical was done by the Church to assist in bettering tho conditions of the working man. Mr. Hamilton moved an amendment: "That this conference is in full sympathy -with Labour in its efforts to secure its just, fair, a.nd equitable rights." The debate was adjourned till the even'Hfhe debate on Labour and the Church was continued to-niglit. Mr. David Jones said the conference was being turned to one big conciliation council to take up disputes and deal with them. Was that the function of the Church? Ho considered the .motion went far enough towards establishing the fact that tho Church wanted! to secure just and equitable rights for the workers.
Mr. C. E. Daniel, who supported the motion, asked tho conference to realise that the aggressive Labour leader was the only friend of the quiet" worker. He advised the members of conference to get out and rub shoulders with Labour men. He could tell many things about the courtesy and manliness of the men who worked on the wharf. He would like to see the word Labour dropped and citizen substituted in its place.
The Rev. H. L. Blamires favoured the spirit of the resolution. The conference should assure the workers of its practical sympathy.
The Hon. C. M. Luke said/he thought the saving grace of the age would be the nationalisation of many commodities. He was of opinion that the Church should express its sympathy with the claims of the masses.
The Rev. Knowles Smith said the only man who should be alarmed by the motion tv{«! the man who ought to be alarmed, and he had : no right at the conference. Labour was crying out for the children to have better opportunities than their parents had had,. and the Church should stand by Labour in this rffipect.
Mr. C. E. Bellringer said the greater nortion of the industries of the Dominion were in tho hands of men who controlled them from the other side of the worid. Was it any wonder that Labour was dissatisfied. The Church should exnress its sympathy with the workers, and welcome them into its midst with love.
Mr. Hamilton's amendment was lost, and Mr. Webb Jones's motion was carried, the reference to quarterly addresses being struck out.
On the motion of the Hon. C. M. Luke, seconded by Mr. T. P. Hiighson, the following supplementary'resolution was carried 1 : "That this conference recommends to employers a.ud employees the principal of co-partnership and profit-sharing in all forms of industry."
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Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 138, 6 March 1919, Page 8
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894METHODIST CHURCH CONFERENCE Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 138, 6 March 1919, Page 8
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