MIXING DISTRICTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 254, 25 September 1929, Page 8

MIXING DISTRICTS

MINISTER'S COMMENTS. “LACK OF SPIRITUAL VISION.” Per Press Association. HAMILTON, Sept. 2-5. Rev. G. H. Gilbert, whose comments on the conditions in some or the mining districts in V estland evoked replies from the Leader or the ills contention in his sermon was Labour Party and others, says that that the lack of spiritual vision was responsible for many of the deplorable social conditions existing. Generally. he laid no small portion of the blame at the door • of the Christian church. He made the references complained of to illustrate the problems m our land. “As one whose lot has always been cast among the working men, my sympathies are naturally "with such in the long continued fight for justice and truth is the truth,'-’ said Mr Gilbert, fair conditions of working, but the truth is the truth,” said Mr Gilbert. “I spoke only of some parts, not- the whole of the Coast. It certainly would be reckless, absurd and far worse to hint, let alone declare that up and the finest and most hospitable people down the West Coast among some of there pertained everywhere conditions such as those whereof I spoke. Farther. I gratefully acknowledge the warm-hearted hospitality constantly forthcoming from among the very people whose lack of spirit vision I deplored. I have nothing to qualify or withdraw, except that- I spoke not of runerals. but- of one funeral, where exactly what I related took place.”

Rev. Mr Gilbert's reference to runerals on the West Coast was that there was absolutely no reiigious service : the body was placed in the grave, somebody might say a few words on brotherhood, and a selection was played on the bagpipes.