In both these cases the New York By-Laws should be followed and not
added to. Likewise he feels that in Article XIV, under the heading "These
By-Laws" (on page 11) B and C should be deleted as they are not in the New
York original and not necessary. Naturally, all Assemblies are under
N.S.A. jurisdiction, but this need not be included.

He wishes the essentials to be maintained as per the New York By-Laws, but
not amplified and added to, as this will gradually lead, all over the
Baha'i world, to a steady addition of unessential rules and restrict the
freedom and plasticity of the Cause. As he has repeatedly told the
American and other National assemblies, it is much better to deal with
situations and new requirements as they arise, and not to have it all down
in black and white and rigid before hand.

He is very happy to see you are steadily working towards the goal of
having local assemblies empowered to hold property legally and to perform
Baha'i marriages. No doubt the act of the Canadian Parliament recently
passed, and giving the Canadian N.S.A. legal status will act as an
important precedent when the time is ripe for you to present your own
petitions to your Government.

The news that there is now a spiritual assembly in every capital city of
the various states in Australia pleased him immensely. This is an historic
land-mark in your progress out there, and must act as a keen incentive to
further exploits on the part of the Australian Baha'is.

He was also delighted to see that certain of the Baha'is have received
official permission not to work on Baha'i Holy Days. He admires the
initiative these believers have shown, and hopes many others will follow
their example.

Likewise, he was very pleased to see you are holding your N.S.A. meetings
in various centers, as this will greatly stimulate the local work, draw
the friends closer to your body, and promote unity and enthusiasm amongst
them.

The Act of your Assembly in depriving Mr. ... of his voting rights was
wise and correct. Unless he demonstrates an entire change of character he
certainly cannot claim to be a member of any Baha'i Community.

He appreciated the Secretary's forwarding to him copies of the Bishop's
letters acknowledging receipt of "God Passes By"--though their answers in
no way imply any spiritual wakefulness on their parts, alas!

He was very happy to see that New Zealand friends were present at the
Convention. In general the work in New