[10]

HOME MISSIONS.

Census Figures

The publication of the census returns relating to the progress of religious affiliation in Australia necessitates careful consideration on the part of the Home Mission Department of the Church. Possibly, to an extent greater than in any other branch of the Church's enterprises the rate of progress may be determined by the ability of the Home Mission staff to meet the growing needs of the country. If the Church is to progress and reveal a rate of increase in membership commensurate with the development of population, the Home Mission Enterprise must actively enter and possess new areas where people are making their homes. With any reasons which may have contributed to the lack of progress of Presbyterianism in Australia since the last census return, we are not concerned in this article. We are concerned, however, with the decade upon which we have entered, so that necessary and effective measures may be determined and undertaken, in order that the Church of our Fathers will play an increasing and valuable part in the witnessing and proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord and Master in our Commonwealth. It will be necessary on the one hand for greater intensive effort and enthusiasm in those Home Mission causes which have been established, and on the other hand, for greater diligence, enterprise and faith on the part of the Church in opening new causes, wherever settlements and suburbs are springing into being.

The Home Mission Department is anxious and willing with the resources at its disposal, to fulfil its task in any forward campaign which may be contemplated. With every good will in the world, it cannot attempt its objectives unless it carries with it the cooperation and active assistance of the whole Church and its membership. It appears to us, then, that certain steps are necessary.

(1) Presbyteries, Sessions and Ministers need to be active in discerning trends of development within their own bounds, so that as new areas of population come into being the Church may be able to meet the spiritual demands of our people. The Home Mission Committee has shown its willingness to co-operate wherever its counsel and assistance have been sought. Where the local congregation has been unable to undertake the financial burden involved the Department has acquired a site and if deemed advisable erect a building for Church purposes. The Home Mission Regulations, as revised, seek to make provision for such assistance to charges. It must be remembered however, that without the active assent of congregations and Presbyteries, the Department is not able to open new fields.

(2) The Home Mission staff must be increased if the Church is to meet the increasing demands of the present situation. Not only is it necessary that a larger number of recruits must be secured for the ministry, but in view of the demands upon candidates for more time and attention to be devoted to studies, and the increasing requirements of the work in the Home Mission stations, the Church requires additional Home Missionaries, men whose age prevents them preparing for the Ministry, but who have the gifts and feel a call to serve the Church in the Home Mission Field.

(3) Additional financial assistance will be required. The increasing costs of maintenance of the existing work necessitates a much greater response from the Church, than has hitherto been required. But if the Church is to acquire sites and erect buildings in suitable areas, then it is essential that the capital of the Sites and Building Fund should be considerably increased. Some time ago the Corporate Trustees made available £10,000 for the erection of manses; this loan is now exhausted, and if permits for buildings promised or projected could be secured the amount available in the Sites and Building Fund would not suffice. If a progressive and active policy is to be pursued in acquiring sites and erecting buildings, this fund must be considerably increased.

(4) Under prevailing conditions it is difficult to acquire sites and very difficult to secure permits to erect a Church or Church Hall. To overcome this difficulty the department, following the example cited of another Church is exploring the possibility and considering plans, whereby a combined unit — manse with facilities for Sunday School and services—may be erected, which will comply with regulations and meet the needs in new areas.

FATIGUE.

An Industrial Nurse maintains there are several causes of fatigue. The corresponding numbers below indicate how each type of fatigue can be lessened:—

Types of Fatigue:

(1) Overwork or overplay.

(2) Vitamin deficiency—

(a) Lack of vitamin A;

(b) Lack of vitamin B;

(c) Lack of vitamin C.

(3) Muscular exhaustion.

(4) Excessive heat.

(5) Emotional upsets.

(6) Eyestrain.

(7) Loss of sleep.

To Lessen Fatigue:

(1) Increase the total amount of food consumption.

(2) Eat more fruits and vegetables, meats, and whole grain cereals—

(a) Eat butter, dairy products, yellow vegetables;

(b) Eat whole grain cereals;

(c) Eat citrus fruits, tomatoes.

(3) Increase consumption of sugar and molasses, meats and whole grain cereals.

(4) Increase consumption of salt; take salt tablets.

(5) Have a few minutes' rest before eating. Relax after a day's work. Develop a hobby.

(6) Consult an eye specialist. Increase your consumption of green and yellow vegetables.

(7) A bed-time lunch of milk, whole grain cereal and fruit juices often aids in going to sleep.