Synod Votes Against Compulsory Training

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 827, 22 November 1929, Page 11

Synod Votes Against Compulsory Training

METHODIST VIEWPOINT SESSIONS CONCLUDE The opinion that compulsory military training should be abolished was expressed in a resolution carried by the Auckland Methodist Church Synod this morning. The sessions were concluded at the Pitt Street. Schoolroom, the Uev. 1 h Drake, chairman oi- the district, presiding. A resolution was also carried expressing approval and commendation of the work of the Voting Men s and Yu imp Women's Bible Class l ‘mens in recruiting - now members and workers for the Christian Church. The resolution in regard to military training was carried on the motion of the 1 lev. H. D. Richards, seconded 1»> the 1 lev. E. T. Olds, as follows“In the- opinion of this Synod the time has arrived ■when the Now Zcahiiul Detenee Act should be amended in order that compulsory military training may be abolished.” This was carried, with one dissentient. A unanimous vote supported the recommendation of the Temperance and Public Morals Committee “that our New Zealand Church urge the Government to recognise the right of the individual conscience to determine the person’s attitude to military service. In this regard it is understood that the applicant will submit reasonable proofs of bis bona Tides. ’’ A resolution of protest was passed against the activities of the Railways Department in granting the running «*f Sunday excursion trains. It was pointed out that the Protestant churches were all united on this question. Methodist people were urged to discourage the gambling spirit in every way, in a resolution regretting the reappearance of art unions. TEMPERANCE CAMPAIGN The resolution on Sunday desecration and gambling were in accord with the recommendations of the Temperance and Public Morals Committee, as also was the following: “Believing that the abolition of the open bar is the only effective remedy for the liquor evil, and being thoroughly convinced that this traffic is a serious menace to society, we call upon all our people earnestly and wholeheartedly to endeavour by every legitimate means to work for its overthrow.” The following resolution was passed on the motion of the Rev. C. B. Jordan, seconded by the Rev. PI. L. Richards: “That this Synod urges the Government to bring down legislation whereby the transfer of a brewery licence from one district to another without the consent of the people of the latter district may in future be legally impossible.” The Rev. AY. Walker proposed the following and it was carried: “That in view of the large increase of motor vehicular traffic in recent years, and in order that the public may be more effectively safeguarded, this Synod urges upon the Minister of Justice the necessity of dealing more severely with tlio.se who may be under the influence of liquor while in charge of a motor vehicle.”