“HELP THE PADRE”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20124, 19 December 1939, Page 7

“HELP THE PADRE”

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT PEACE AND GOODWILL TALK TO ROTARY CLUB ORDER OUT OF CHAOS The responsibility of the individual in interpreting the principle of peace and goodwill was referred to by Rotarian K. F. Jones in a talk to the members of the Gisborne Rotary Club to-day, when they held thenfinal meeting of the year. Christmas stood for the birthday of the founder of the Christian faith, said Rotarian Jones, but lie did not intend U> touch on spiritual values. To try to explain how Christianity foist 00 years had endeavoured to bring peace and goodwill to men at a tune when they were confronted with such turmoil was difficult and one sometimes wondered whether they were on (he- right track, but a study of the sciences gave one an entirely different conception of life. The world was*an infinitesimal part of a great universe, and it was impossible to conceive the genius of the Supreme Being who created and controlled it. The past 2000 years had been a period of remarkable progress with an appreciation of the altitude required of man towards man, but despite all the good works and the development of peace and goodwill, we had at present aggression on a hitherto unknown scale from people who were regarded as civilised A Greater Peace At the back of it all there might be the working of the master mindsomething we could not comprehend—progressing towards greater peace and goodwill, although it seemed remarkable that the world had to suffer so much to achieve success. Mr. Jones said he held an optimistic outlook in regard to the war effort. A speaker.at a Rotary forum recently had held the view that the present European conflict might lead to a federation of European states, and out of that mess of pottage might grow greater good for generations. Each individual hgjd a responsibility in creating greater happiness, and if all would assist the padre and all associated with him in his good work, giving practical assistanceall the year round, the aim of peace and goodwill soon would have a new meaning. The development of that outlook by the individual himself by following the principles enunciated 2000 years ago would give greater peace and happiness in the world. Unfortified Line In moving a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Jones for his most interesting and helpful address, Rotarian F. H. Forge referred to the boundary line between the United States and Canada. There were thousands of miles of unprotected national frontier withcut prejudice, fear or thought of war and without anything but peace and goodwill, and he said that was one bright spot in world affairs.

Rotarian F. Tolcrton was chairman for the day.