STRONG WORDS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 410, 20 December 1932, Page 5

STRONG WORDS

(Press Assn.-

MINISTER'S OUTBURST POLITICIANS ARGUE WHILE CHILDREN GO HUNGRY CHURCH PROCESSION URGED

-By Telegmpn — Oo-oyrlgnt)

Auckland, Monday. "If our legislators open Parliament with prayer, asking God's help, and then proceed to frame laws which are contrary to all human nature, they are hypocrites," said the Rev. Jasper Calder last evening at the Epiphany Church in the course of an outspoken sermon d'ealing with unemployment ! and distress^ e It was easy to understand the pitiful stories of troubled and needy people with hungry children, said Mr. Calder, but diffieult to understand the j leaders of the people. Would Christ have tolerated what was being done? His opinion was that politicians who | required to be recalled in the House by the ringing of a bell, in order to | ensure a majority vote on some hill, i could not be much troubled about today's conditions. Real statesm'en would not show cold-blooded indifference to the sufferings of the people. The other day a woman went to the Labour Bureau to get an order for rations for her family. On being informed that nothing could be done for her, she called her five children together and told them to stay in the office there, and the officials behind | the counter would look after them. She then started away for her home, but was promptly recalled and given an order. She was a mother fighting for lier children. All unemployed and impoverished parents could not do that, but it had served in that one instance. People were wasting time by asking of the Labour Department and Hospital Board. They came to the City Mission, but owing to lack of funds could not be helped much. He did not like saying it, but if things got much worse it would have to close. Things All Wrong "I ara not being disloyal to the Church when I say things are all wrong," said Mr. Calder. "In Synod the clergy did not say much for fear of being misunderstood. Have we got to give in because we might be misunderstood or offend people? I was pleased to see the Archbishop's pro-

test against the cut in relief pay. We simply have to do something to rouse the authorities, or else hungry people will rebel in the wrong way. There are many sins, but surely none worse than the cry of children being left hungry. I believe we should all join in a great procession, led by the Cross of Christ, carrying our hanners. All denominations could join in, until the procession was thousands strong. >Such a demonstration would demand attention. I believe we could get a deputation to wait on the Archbishop to lead in the cause of righteousness in a march without a stick or a stone but with the banner Christ at the head. "Parliament is closing down over the holidays to consider a policy. God forgive them that they will fight over policies when hungry children are crying- out."