METHODIST PROTEST

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1929, Page 2

METHODIST PROTEST

.AGAINST WEEK-END RAILWAY EXCURSIONS.

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND. Feb. 25,

The Methodist Conference unanimously carried the following resolution: We desire to draw attention to what appears to be the settled policy of the present Government in the regular organising of week-end excursions on tiie railways, thus apparently seeking to bring in a Continental Sunday W’c wish to enter our emphatic protest against this deliberate policy of Sabbath desecration, because of its deteriorating effect on the moral and spiritual well-being of the people. We sincerely believe this action of the Government to be opposed to all the best traditions of the British people, in that it helps to destroy the necessary quiet of the Christian Sabbath and helps to foster a disregard for the sanctity of the Lord’s Hay. Wo therefore earnestly call upon the Government to reverse its policy by the abolition of such week-end excursions. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH, f At ; tho Methodist Conference the election of Professor for Trinity College resulted in Rev W. T. Blight receiving 101 votes and Rev W. G. Slade 97 votes in the final ballot. Rev. Blight was then unanimously elected. A resolution recording deep regret at the death of Mr A. C. Caughey was carried.

The report of the Wesley Training College Trust Board stated a pleasing feature of the year’s enrolment was that a large number of boys came from Methodist homes while it was also most satisfactory that there was an increasing number of boys who were keenly interested in and desirous of following agricultural occupations. The past year had probably been the smoothest running year the College had experienced. .The farm was looking particularly well, and although the long spell of dry weather caused a great deal of anxiety in the early part of the year, the year as a whole had been a good ono. During the past few months the farm had produced 800 tons of hay, and 180 tons of ensilage, while 600 fat lambs, 35 stud rams and .40 stud ewes had .been sold. Fifteen bales of wool were also marketed in 1928. Apiculture had been commenced, and at present the college possessed 60 hives of ibccs. A bequest of £SOO by the late Ret. W. S. Potter, of Ponsonby, for the establishment of a Rest Home m the North Island for Ministers and Home Missionaries, was announced.