NATIONAL PRAYER

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 284, 29 August 1942, Page 6

NATIONAL PRAYER

Plans For Observance In Dominion

SERVICES TO BE HELD

Arrangements for the observance in New Zealand of the National Day or Prayer on Thursday—the third anniversary of the outbreak of war—-were announced yesterday by the ActingPrime Minister, Mr. Sullivan. Churches and civic authorities are invited to arrange appropriate services. It is the Government’s wish that in fixing the time of services due regard should be paid to the desirability of as little interruption as possible with the working day, but it is desired that employees, where possible, should, have the opportunity, at least, of listening to broadcast services. The day is also to I>e observed by the armed services. Mr. Sullivan recalled that last week, in the House of Representatives, he indicated that efforts .were being made to obtain more details regarding the arrangements proposed in the United Kingdom. Advice about those arrangements had only now cotne to hand and had -been given urgent consideration by the Government after consultation with the Church authorities and the armed services.

"In the United Kingdom," .said- Mr. Sullivan, “provision has been made for a wide range of religious services aimed particularly at -giving all -the people as full an opportunity as possible of participating, while at the same time ensuring that there will be as little interruption of necessary war work as possible. Church and Civic Services. "In New Zealand conditions are so materially different from those in the United kingdom as to make it impracticable to arrange for quite the same observances, It has -been decided, however, that the day should be observed ?as follows: First, I invite all the religious denominations to hold appropriate services on Thursday next, in their own churches at such times during tho day and evening as they find most suitable. Secondly, in each centre of population tho Government would 'be glad if the civic and Church authorities would combine to hold a public service which would enable the people generally'to observe the Day of Prayer. Wherever circumstances permit arrangements will be made to broadcast these public services. “I am aware that already in many towns arrangements for combined services are in train. In other cases, in view of the shortness of time, the Government would be glad if the civic head would immediately approach the heads of the churches with a view to arranging such a service. . Little Interruption With Work.

"It is clear from communications I have already received that the most suitable time of the day will vary in different towns, and the Government feels that the fixing of a suitable time is a matter which must be left to local decision. In making this decision, however, due regard should be paid to the desirability of us little interruption as is practicable with the working day. Nevertheless, it is desired 'that employers, both public and private, will allow their employees, as far as possible, to have the opportunity at least of listening to broadcast services from the nearest station, "The armed services are making as full provision as possible under existing circumstances to enable officers and men in- camps and on ships and. stations to participate in the observance of tills solemn day. Officers in charge of naval establishments will, as found convenient, make provision either for special services, or give an opportunity for all in the service to listen -to broadcast services. With regard to the Army., the most suitable ’practical arrangements will be made in each camp and at each battle station by officers in charge, in consultation with chaplains. On -each Air Force station a special service will be held at some suitable time during the day.”

Mr. Sullivan added that the 'Government was -most gratified at the response “already made by the churches and by the evidence it bad received of the keen desire of the people to take their part in fittingly observing the Day of Prayer.

CITIZENS’ SERVICE IN MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wellington Arrangements

“As the Town Hall is not ueabie arrangements have -been made for the citizens’ service ou the national day of prayer, Thursday, September 3, to be hold in the Majestic Theatre, said the mayor of Wellington, Mr. Hislop, last night. "Tlie service, which will, bo attended by the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, will occupy one hour, from 12,30 p.m, till 1.30 p.m. "I hope that employers will make what arrangements they can to enable their employees to attend. Possibly the lunch-hour could be arranged between 12,15 p.m, and 1.45 p.m-"