CENTRAL MISSION

Evening Star, Issue 22459, 2 October 1936, Page 14

CENTRAL MISSION

SUCCESS OF SPRING FAIR OFFICIALLY OPENED YESTERDAY Gratifying patronage marked the opening day of the Central Methodist Mission fair yesterday, the business fully justifying the intensive preparation by the committee in its endeavour to provide funds for the reduction of the debt on the mission property. The tastefully decorated stalls bore eloquent testimony to the zeal of the members, and were fully appreciated by the purchasers. OFFICIAL OPENING. The Rev. L. B. Neale extended a welcome to the mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cos) and Airs Cox, and expressed his personal appreciation of the work carried out by the Executive Committee, and also of the generosity of those who had contributed so freely to make the fair a success. The full extent of the work done and the magnanimity of the response to the appeal for assistance in order that the mission could carry on its philanthropic and social work were not generally known, and he took the opportunity of expressing Jus sincere thanks to all who had helped to contribute in any way to the success of the effort. Air D. C. Cameron outlined the growth of the Central Alethodist Alission since its inception 46 years ago, and said that 23 years ago the Rev. Air Slade had secured for the mission the Octagon Hall, which was entirely free of debt. A few years ago, however, Air Neale and the mission trustees had bought the property adjoining the Octagon Hall for approximately £25,000. Each year £I,OOO had been paid off the new property', on which the mission now owed £IB,OOO, and the present effort was an endeavour to reduce that debt. They would all realise what it would mean to the mission if it had no interest charges to meet and had all its property free of debt. Air Cameron then called on Air Cox to perform. the official opening, “ I take this opportunity of offering my congratulations to the Central Alissiou on the fine work for humanity which has been accomplished by it in the heart of the city,” said Air Cox. “ Let me further offer my thanks to the missioner, the Rev. L. B. Neale, and his staff on the splendid work carried out by them for tho community, irrespective of class or creed. The social work of the mission is a living evidence of vita! Christianity. Indeed, the modern age is coining to recognise the Christian religion, not so much as our immediate forefathers did by adherence to beliefs, as by the impact of Christian principles on practical life. •Judged by that standard, few religious institutions can measure up to this one in whose interests we are met to-day The voluntary work done for the relief, of distress by the mission has reached a stage of great magnitude during the depression, and thus lias called forth from the workers very self-sacrificing effort. The new buildings at Company' Bay are planned on a scale that no one with a lesser faith than Aluller of Bristol could have achieved. Suffice it to say that this work, employing during tho winter 30 men on full time, and probably a similar number indirectly, has merited tho support of the Government and of the City Council, which has contributed £I,OOO towards its cost. Let me add a word of congratulation to the women who have worked so splendidly to make this function such a bright and charming place to-day. I can only hope the citizens will show their appreciation of this work by coining forward in large numbers and giving it tho support it deserves. Alay I say that I hope that Air Neale will write the story of his activities in the mission? I am sure that such a record would have world-wide patronage, and that the writer would stand out among the religious loaders of to-day as a superman.” (Applause.) STALLHOLDERS. The stallholders were as follow:; Plain stall, Sister Lena and Airs Birnie; apron stall, Sister Lena; fancy stall. Miss Al'Grcgor; baby stall and sugar bag stall, Sister Hazel; sweet stall—Aliss Sanders, Alesdames Cooper, Rotting, and Alelville; flower stall, Airs AUFarlane; ice cream stall, Airs Smallman; jumble and sweet stall, Airs Grantham; woodwork stall, Air Lawrence ; book stall, Air Tasker; toy stall, Miss Russell; produce stall, Mrs Neale, jam stall, Airs Johnson; cake stall, Airs Oliver; handkerchief stall, Airs Duncan; tea rooms, Airs Grant; picture show, Mr Ritchie. The fair will conclude this evening.