THE CHURCH AND LABOUR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 18 December 1913, Page 4

THE CHURCH AND LABOUR.

The Presbyterian Assembly lias thought fit—whether rightly or wrongly—to make a pronouncement on the subject of the industrial unrest that is at present in evidence m all parts of the world,. The view oxpressed by tl\e Assembly in ieg<ud to the responsibilities of employ eland employed will be very generally endorsed, while not a few will agree as to the desirability for seeking the destruction of that caste, or class distinction that has become a part of our social system. But when the Assembly suggests the nationalisation of ouF means of production, or the adoption of the co-partnership _ system, as a means for allaying industrial unrest, it is clearly trespassing upon dangerous ground. The influence of the Church is such that a mere suggestion of Socialism may incite people to adopt doubtful measures for attaining a selfish objective. For this reason it is to be regretted that ftie Presbyterian Assembly has ventured beyond what most people will regard as tlie functions of the Church. The latter part of the resolution possesses all the elements of a dangerous, almost inflammatory doctrine.