WESLEYAN ANNIVERSARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1088, 31 October 1883, Page 2

WESLEYAN ANNIVERSARY.

The tea and public meeting held to ce'ebrate the sixth anniversary of the Wesleyan Sunday School took place in the Cameron street Church last evening, and the promoters are to bo congratulated on the success which attended their efforts. A large number of persons partook of an excellent tea, which was probably the most well arranged in matters of detail ever given by this body. The efforts of the ladies were ably seconded by a large corps of a?sia‘anrs, who were m st energetic in contributing in every possible way to the comfort of the visitors. Immedia:ely after the tea the meeting took place, the chair being occupied by Mr J. E. Buchanan, who delivered a short speech, in which ho referred in rather strong terms to the entirely secular character of the education given in our State schools. The C nnmittee’s report, read by Mr C. Dixon, the Committee’s secretary, made mention of'the successes which had been attained during the past year in the conversion of some of the scholars, and the belief was expressed that there were others who were not far from the kingdom of God. The reward system had been introduced, and this had given a healthy impetus to the scholars’ studies, had acted as an incentive to constant and punctual attendance, and had altogether proved beneficial without any perceptible drawbacks ensuing. Lesson tablets and a teacher’s preparatory class were mentioned as being helpful in the work of teaching. Several teachers had removed from the district, but no death had occurred either among scholars or workers during the year. Monthly services are held once a month, and a cordial invitation was extended to parents to be present thereat. The Bible classes, in charge of Mrs H. M. Carson and Mr J. E. Buchanan res actively, are well attended. There a:e 19 teachers on the roll ; average attendance, 18; number of scholars, 170; average attendance, 121 ; number of books in library, 278. t everal other matters were referred to, the chief being the urgent need of a schoolroom, but business depression and the many other claims on members of the congregation had precluded any effort being made to effect the object. The Committee for ensuing year are .-—Messrs J. E. Buchanan, I’. Alcorn, L. Causey, Dixon, H. M. Jones, J, Orr, G. Ray, Sparrow, and Mrs H. M. Carson and Mrs Weeks. Mr G. Andrews then road the Treasurer’s report, showing a credit balance of L 3 19s, which was considered very satisfactory. The Superintendent, Mr Ray, thou gave -i description of the work done in the school and made an earnest appeal for the sympathy and encouragement of the parents. The Rev. A. AL Beattie was the next speaker, who took as his subject “ Early piety,” impressing on the children the uncertainty of life, and the consequent necessity of making the all-important decision in early life. The rev gentleman gave a most impressive address, which was listened to with marked attention throughout. Mr G. W. Leadley followed with a forcible speech upon Sunday School work generally, stating that the Sunday School teacher was doing a noble w Tk, and was deserving of the utmost encouragement, especially fiom parents. After Mr Standage had made a few remarks, the usual votes of thanks were proposed and carried, and the Rev. Mr Beattie pronounced the benediction, which closed the meeting.