METHODIST CONFERENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 February 1939, Page 5

METHODIST CONFERENCE

CHRISTIAN WORKERS’ SCHOOL PROPOSED. A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME. (By Telegraph —Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 24. A proposal that the Methodist Deaconness Institution in Christchurch be converted into a school for Christian workers was before the final session at the annual conference of the chuicn today. The principle of the school was reaffirmed, but the proposal was referred back to the deaconness committee for further consideration of financial and other aspects. . The scheme proposes training and preparation for social, orphanage, day school, home mission, and other work, and an appeal for £BOOO suggested to finance it. The delegates agreed that the church was losing workers because no such school existed, but expressed doubt about the basis of the finances and the likely demand for training. The conference viewed with grave concern any project for the Govemmont to sanction the establishment ol sweepstakes or the institution of State lotteries, maintaining that gambling was immoral and had a destructive effect on the character of the race. Other resolutions supported the organisation of a Dominion association for social hygiene and courts and domestic relations, deplored cruelty to the Jewish race, and suggested free entrance to New Zealand be granted of a limited number of refugees not sponsored by Dominion residents. The conference was also prepared to meet the Presbyterian Congregation Church to discuss a possible basis of church union. Another resolution urged I ’je strengthening of the moral issues of life and supported eflorts for world peace. The conference protested at the continuance of Sunday railway excursions, particularly in view of the almost universal Saturday holiday.