Bible-in Schools Bill “Designedly Blocked” says Archbishop

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 107, 27 July 1927, Page 4

Bible-in Schools Bill “Designedly Blocked” says Archbishop

Archbishop Averill, in speaking at the annual meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Mothers’ Union yesterday on the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill, was emphatic in declaring that it “has been designedly blocked by the opposition. Nevertheless, l feel sure it will in time be passed, owing to the large majority of members supporting it.” The I-lon. L. M. Isitt, added the archbishop, had been promised an opportunity by Sir James Allen to introduce the Bill into the Legislative Council. It was most earnestly desired that there should be public recognition of Almighty God in the public schools, and that the children should gain some knowledge of the Bible. At present, clergymen throughout New Zealand, in taking confirmation services, found little religious training to build upon when instructing the classes of young people. If the Bill were passed, half the loaf would be gained and the other half would need to be supplied by the Church and the home. ABHORRENT TO THE CHURCH During the discussion of the Amendment to the Divorce Act that provides for a decree after three years mutual separation, the Rev. Canon Grant Co wen said that since the amendment had been passed, he had ascertained from Auckland lawyers that divorces had increased by 50 per cent. Young people now married with the idea that if things were not satisfactory thej r could in time gain their freedom. This attitude toward marriage was undermining the social fabric. Young people, in the first years of their married life, very often found it difficult to settle into a new environment, and when quarrels arose, instead of making the best of things, they drifted apart, and after the necessary separation, availed themselves of the divorce law, which was abhorrent to the doctrine of the Church. THE ANNUAL REPORT Archbishop Averill read the annual report, which showed that during the year steady and gratifying progress had been made by the union. New branches had been opened at New Lynn, Stanley Bay, Mount Eden, Glen Eden and St. Chads, and a small branch had been established at Pollok. Through the formation of the Waikato Diocese several branches were lost, but the membership had increased from 657 members in 1925 to 1,340 in 1927. One thousand slips had been sent out in regard to the Bible-in-Schools Bill. Several books had been presented by the Dominion president, Lady Alice Fergusson, to form the nucleus of a Mothers’ Union library. A remit had : been sent to the Auckland City Council asking that an inspector should be appointed for the city parks. The Minister of Internal Affairs had been asked to institute stricter censorship of films. HEALTHY BALANCE SHEET The annual balance sheet, read by the Rev. Gordon Bell, showed a credit of £36. A successful report of work accomplished in the country districts was read by the organising secretary. Miss A. Griffin. In moving the adoption of the annual report Canon Grant Cowen said the Mothers’ Union was upholding the standard of Christ in the city and in the home. He hoped a national memorial would be erected in New Zealand in honour of the mothers of soldiers who fought in the Great War. Such a memorial erected in London had recently been consecrated by the Bishop of London. The Rev. E. E. Bamford seconded the motion, which was carried. An address on Bible in schools was given by Mrs. John Cook. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The following are the officers for the ensuing year;—Dominion president. Lady Alice Fergusson; patron, Archbishop Averill; president, Mrs. Averill; vice-presidents, Mesdames Morton. Young and Haselden: hon. organising secretary, Miss Griffin; hon. organiser, outpost work, Miss O’Neill; hon, diocesan secretary, Mrs. G. P. Beaumont; assistant, Mrs. Percival James; hon. assistant secretaries and treasurers, Miss B. Blades and Mrs. Simkin; literature associate, Miss B. Blades and Sister Hannah, ex officio. VALEDICTORY SOCIAL ' AT TE KUITI On Friday evening, July 23, the combined Ladies’ 'and Girls’ Guilds of Te Kuiti farewelled the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. A. Drake, who have been transferred to the Avondale Parish. Apologies were received from Mr. J. C. Rolleston, M.P., Mr. and Mrs. Hiorns, of Oparue, and several others. In addressing the guests of the evening Mr. Gresham, on behalf of the parishioners of Te Kuiti, said that the well-filled hall bore testimony to the vicar and his wife’s popularity, and it was with great regret that they were congregated that evening to bid them adieu. Mr. Gresham then asked Mrs. G. Hitchcock, on behalf of the parishioners of Te Kuiti, to present to the departing guests a very handsome coffee set, which he trusted would remind the recipients of the high esteem in which they were held by his congregation. In a few well chosen words Mrs. Hitchcock expressed regret at the departure of the vicar and his wife, and made special reference to the valuable work they both had done in connection with the Ladies’ Guild. On behalf of the Ladies’ Bible Class Mrs. Drake was presented with a box of fancy stationery by Miss Sybil Wood. Mr. Drake, on rising to reply, was greeted with a wonderful reception and expressed his regret at his departure. His stay in Te Kuiti had been a happy one and he and the vestry had worked well together for the good of the parish. He thanked them for their useful gift, and when being used his thoughts would wander back to Te Kuiti. The Revs. Millar (Presbyterian) and Hall (Methodist) expressed regret at his departure. At the same function Mr. T. W. A. Morpeth, a zealous worker of St. Luke’s Church, who is also leaving the district, was presented by the Rev. Drake with a handsome set of classical works on behalf of the congregation of St. Luke’s. Mr. Morpeth suitably acknowledged the gift. The Rev. and Mrs. Drake left for Avondale yesterday.