WELLINGTON SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1401, 29 March 1912, Page 9

WELLINGTON SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

TUIRTY-l'fliST ANNUAL REPORT. The committee of the "Wellington Sunday School Union, in presenting a report of tho v.orl; of Jill I, slates:— Our aiinnn 1 convention was held during Easier at Nelson, and was well attended by visitors from all parts. Tho papers," addresses, and discussions were all very helpful, and it is certain that tho delegates must have returned to their labours with better ideas ol' how to run Sunday schools and with their hearts warmed by the encouragement received at such a happy gathering. The scholars' examination was held on, June 30, when 012 children competed. Five hundred and twenty-four, or Hli per cent, of tho candidates secured a pass. The examination is a real help to the teacher and to tho scholar, and we confidently ask superintendents and touchers to' try and make this year's examination very successful.

During the year the Ngaliaurauga Methodist School became affiliated, but as tho Alicotown School resigned, our numbers will stand at £(i, with 1051 teachers, and 10,395 scholars. Notwithstanding four applications to each school for roturns, wo aro still without statistics from quito a large number. We regret having to report a falling-oil in numbers, both in tho city and suburban section, and in thoso schools outside Wellington. Thirteen schools in the first section gained 220 scholars, while fifteen lost 50li, leaving a let loss of 28G. Seventeen schools outside Wellington gained 19G scholars, and eighteen. schools lost 439, making a loss in this section of 243. This shows over oil tho schools who have sent returns a loss of 529 scholars, or 5 per cont. "Will the officials of theso schools showing losses go very seriously into the matter, and ego if there is a proper explanation of the leakage? Surely our schools should ho gaining in efficiency and in power to recruit and hold the scholars. Wo have not lost in those over 15 years old, so the explanation must be looked for in somo other way than the old one, that it is hard to keep the boys and girls nfter they reach 14. Tho number of scholars who are Church members and who have joined the Church during the year does not give one the idea that our schools are actively feeding the Church. Surely eighty-six schools should show more tangible results for a year's work than 00 scholars joining the Church during the year. Is there a proper system of oversight of young converts and active 00-opcration between minister and officials in your school? The number of Christian Endeavour Societies—27, with M 0 members—is about the same as last year. Bloven schools hare Bands of Hope, with 315 members.

The secretary of the International Bible Reading Association reports an incrc-ase of one branch and of 293 members, making a total of 05 branches with 3103 members.

The report of tho Visitor (Mr. R. B. Davis) states: The Church as a whole should bo more interested in tho school, especially the officers of the Church, and more especially the Minister, who should be seen and heard every Sunday. The one outstanding problem of tho city schools is tho steady declining attendance caused largely *by tho exodus of people into the new outlying districts, and notwithstanding the fact that many new schools have been started to meet the new conditions, yet the attendance and growth at these new centres dors not equal ilia loss sustained by the city schools. One could not close this report without entering a strong protest against tho example and influence tint confront us on every hand in theso new districts by the utter disregard of the Lord's Day. It seems to bo tho one day of the week to bo devoted to gardening, excavating, painting, and the building of outhouses, with no thought of or consideration for' the finer feelings of those who wish to worship and keep the day sacred as a day of rest. influence must bo against the moral education of tho young who aro growing up in its midst.

Unfortunately, our financial statement docs not mako very bright reading, as wo have quito a formidable balance on the wrong side. We have decided to ask the Churches to liavo "A Sunday School Union Sunday," and to hlive cither a retiring collcction in aid of our funds, or else to ask for spccial support for us, and give us all abavo the average collection. This method is in vneue in England, and works very well. We ask our sympathisers to give the Union their hearty support in Church Councils, when this proposal is brought before tlicm. Our prize fund and tho cost of tho examination are the main onuses of our financial trouble, but as the committee think that good value is obtained for this expenditure, they feel justified in incurring it year after year, ."Jul relying on tho friends of boys and girls to iind the needful funds.

The chief event of 1912 will be the visit of Mr. nnd Miss Archibald in September. If superintendents and teachers will give, this the importance it deserves, we believe that a new era. for Sunday sehcols will date from that time. Mr. Archibald is without doubt one of the highest authorities on Sunday school work, and we want all the city schools to make such arrangements as will leave every teacher free to attend all the lectures," and wo look to every teacher to innko special efforts to be present. Parents and Stato school teachers will find the lectures very valuable. This is a big matter, and will justify great preparations to ensure success. Every teacher and officer and intending teacher should be intensely interested and work for and pray for the success of this project. The matter of graded lessons has been discussed by tho union at different times, but at present we do not feel justified in making any definite pronouncement on tho matter, further than to say that in several schools they are voted to bo very successful. SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS' CONVENTION. The following is the programme for the Easter convention of Sunday school teachers, to be held in Blenheim:— Good Friday, April 5 (Wesley Hall).— 2.30 p.m.—Devotional. 3 p.m.—Conference, president's address, paper, "Consider tho Child," Mr. F. V. Knapp. 5 p.m.—Tea. (i.30 p.m.—Question box. (Questions to bo handed to the secretary before tea.) 7.30 p.m.—Welcome to visiting delegates. 8 p.m.—Address, "Preparation of Self and Subject," Mr. 11. Oldham, collection. ' Saturdnv, April 6 (St. Andrew's Hall).— 10 a.m.—Devotional. 10.30 a.m.—Symposium: "Books that have helped mc in my teaching." All members of conference. Paper: "Privileges and Responsibilities of S.S. Teachers," Miss Burton. 2.30 p.m.—Conference. Papers: "The Problem of the Elder Scholar," Mr. H. T. 11. Grave (vice-president). Paper: "How to Promote a. Spiritual Atmosphere in the School," Mr. M. E. Layhourn. 7JO p.m.— Conference. Papers: "The Blackboard in Ordinary Classes," Mr. C. 11. Barratt; "Story Telling," Mr. 11. Vivian. Sunday, April 7 (St. Andrew's Church). —10 a.m.—Prayer meeting. Town Hall.— Address by Mr. H. T. H. Grave, "The Snare, Tho Fowler, and The Deliverer." Collection. Methodist Church—S.ls p.m. —United Communion Service. Monday, April 8 (St. Andrew's Hall).—10 a.m.—Free Parliament, led by Messrs. 11. T. 11. Grave, J. R. Barley, A. E. Moss, T. Sims. 11. Vivian, C. tl. Barratt, B. Smith, Jordan, East, C. W. Parker, and others. Afternoon—Picnic.