WANGANUI PRESBYTERY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 161, 7 June 1940, Page 3

WANGANUI PRESBYTERY.

A meeting of the Wanganui .Presbytery was held in Marton this week. In reply to a previous resolution asking that mission allocations be stabilised for the next few years, the missions committee wrote stating that this was always (timed at. Increases were due to unforeseen circumstances such as war and hurricane damage and the varying exchange rate. The mission budget requirements from congregations throughout the Dominion were about £333 less this year than last. This meant about £l6 less for this presbytery. It was decided that the congregational assessments be the same as for last year. It was reported that the money for missions was coming in much better this year. At the request of Knox Church, Wanganui, a commission, with Rev. J. Hubbard as convener, was appointed. to confer with the deacons’ court. In view of the gravity of the war situation in Europe at the present time, the presbytery set aside a special period for intercession for the nation and the peoples of the world. Afterwards, a lengthy discussion took place as to what lead should be given to people at such a time. It was resolved to express sincere appreciation of the all-important call to prayer given by the King. A further motion was passed embodying the strong conviction that such a call to prayer must be followed up bv a thoroughgoing return on the part of the people to the exaltation of God and obedience to His laws in national and individual living. Attention was drawn by a letter from the public questions committee to the measure recently enacted, permitting the raffling of and articles for patriotic funds. Several members spoke with concern over what was being promoted in this district by way of Red Cross raffles. The presbytery emphatically expressed disapproval of the use of gambling methods for the raising of funds for so worthy an objective as the Red Cross and the National Patriotic Fund. It was suggested tliat a wider use be made of collecting boxes for the gathering of gifts' from people who could not afford to donate large sums of money. A commission consisting of the Wanganui ministers and elders w r as appointed to 'draw up a; statement on this matter for presentation to congregations and for general publication.