METHODIST CHURCH

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 370, 26 February 1937, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH

SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

ANTI-GAMBLING

Concern at Drinking at

Socials.

Press Association —Copyright. Auckland, Last Night. Social problems were discussed at the annual conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand to-day. Gambling, liquor traffic, divorce and birth control were among the subjects which appeared on the agenda. A report on marriage, divorce and birth control prepared by special committee was discussed in committee by the conferecne, the discussion beinfi adjourned. “We counsel members of our church to abstain from participation in any form of gambling, including art unions, and to do all in their pov.'er to lessen its sway in the community,” stated a remit forwarded by the North Canterbury synod. Another remit deplored the practice of allowing school children to sell tickets in raffled, and in a motion which was- subsequently passed* the assistance of the education authorities was sought in discouraging the practice. The hope that the Government would not afford any opportunities for the advertising of intoxicating liquors-, either by commercial radio stations or by hoardings on railway stations- and along rai'lw*ay routes, was expressed in another motion. A warning was issued to ministers* and youth leaders ag-ainst the provision of liquor at social gatherings.