THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 598, 19 May 1876, Page 3

THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the Canterbury auxiliary of the above association was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, L'cbfield street, last Thursday, Mr H. R. Webb whs in the chair, and tho platform wan occupied by a number of ministers. There was a large attendance in the body of the hall. The proceedings were opened with singing and prayer. The chairman said he had great pleasure in occupying his present position. The objects of the society were so well known that it was needless for him to say much on the subject. The success which had attended the society's efforts was truly wonderful. The amount of the donations received during the past year was greater than had ever been known before. The receipts had been £222,191 In the auxiliaries, however, there was a deficit of something like £3OOO ; although that part of the report which related to New Zealand was very encouraging, the receipts from this colony being larger in proportion than those of any of the other auxiliaries. Indeed, New Zealand was at the head of all the Australian auxiliaries. The society felt greatly indebted to the ladies, who were the principal collectors of the society, and he was glad to see so many present that evening. He saw by the home report that there were 202 women engaged as colporteurs, who had been instrumental in distributing between eleven and twelve thousand Bibles. He was still of opinion that it would be better in Christchurch to have the collections quarterly instead of annually. As there were other gentlemen to address them he would not trespass further on their time, but call upon the secretary to read the report. The Rev I. Aldrei then read the following report:— "In presenting this, th ; fourteenth annual report of the Canterbury Auxiliary Bible Society, to its supporters and friends, your committee feel call id upon to return their thanks to Almighty God for that measure of success which He has been pleased to give to its operations during the 3 ear. Through the Divine blessing the committee are enabled to present a report, which in its leading features is not only unsurpassed but unequalled by that of any previous year. " The balance-sheet presented by the treasurer at the last anniversary meeting showed a balance in his hands of £386 53 9d. Of this amount there was remitted to the parent society, soon after the meeting, the sum of £350—£200 on purchase account, and £l5O as a free contribution to the general objects of the society. This remittance exceeds in amount that of any preceding year. " The amount of sales at the Christchurch depot is larger this year than last, while last year's Bales more than doubled those of the previous year. The sales at several of the depots have been under those of past years—accounted for partly by families residing in the localities having been supplied with the scriptures, and partly by purchases made at the central depot. "It will be in the recollection of many that last year's report expressed the hope of your committee, that arrangements would L<j made, in the course of the year, for a more thorough canvassing of Christchurch for subscriptions to the society's funds. - This hope has been realised. The city has been divided into collectors' blocks, and two collectors, as a rule, have been appointed to each block. This plan necessitated a considerable increase of collectors, and under the direction of the committee, ministers of denominations were written to and requested to nominate ladies belonging to their respective churches as collectors, and your committee have with much pleasure to report that in every case where the request was made it has been acceded to, nor can they refrain from making special reference to the prompt and hearty manner in ■which the collectors entered upon their and to the efficient manner in which it has been carried out.

" Your committee also greatly desired that ■the suburbs and centres of population in the more distant parts of the province should be canvassed for subscriptions ; and under their direction, persons known to them were written to and asked to afford their help, either by recommending: suitable persons as collectors, or by collecting themselves. Some few to whom we wrote returned no reply ; a few others, by reason of urgent local claims for Church matters, considered the present time unfavourable for an appeal to those around them, in behalf of the Bible Society; while from others replies were received expressive of a willingness to comply with the committee's request, and the result of all is seen to day in an income much larger than that of any previous year. The field of the society's operations has been extended, the number of collectors more than doubled, and many new subscribers added to our lists. The Rangiora branch has done remarkably well. The Lyttelton branch has also done well, and merits a word of praise. " Your committee have to report with unfeigned and deep regret, the resignation of their treasurer, J. H. Twentyman, Esq, solely on account of ill-health. Mr Twentyman is still suffering from an accident he met with some months ago, when on his way to Akaroa. His medical attendants strongly advise that he should lighten his labors, for a time, in every possible way ; and acting under this advice his resignation of the treasurership has taken place. Your committee cannot, in justice to their feelings, refrain from placing on record their emphatic testimony to the long, varied, and valuable aid Mr Twentyman has rendered to the Auxiliary, as its chief officer. No warmer friend of the society can be found in our midst. With Mr Twentyman the committee deeply sympathise, and they trust that it may please Almighty God soon to restore him to perfect health. At a later stage of this meeting you will be asked to appoint Mr Twentyman's successor to tb>e treasurership.

" And now, as they have been wont to do your committee desire to make brief reference to the Parent Society. In doing so, they desire to direct attention to the catholicity of the Hociety. There is an impression on the minds of many persons in the 'community (as we. learn from the eol'ectors and others), that the British and Foreign Bible Society is strongly sectarian in its constitution. This is a misapprehension the committee wish to correct and entirely to remove. Turning to the last report, jou find as president of the society the name of that devoted and distinguished nobleman, the Earl of Shaftesbury. Looking down the columns of patrons of auxiliaries, you see, as the patroness of the Windsor Auxiliary, th<j name of our Most Gracious Sovereign Queen Victoria, In the Hat of vice-preflidents, you

have the two Archbishops, thirteen of the English Bishops, sixteen Colonial Bishops, three of whom are diocesans in the colony of New Zealand. In the same list you meet wifh the names of well-known and eminent men belonging to other sections of the Protestant Churches. The managing committee bears the same stamp. The platform, on the occasion of the great annual May meeting, has the same characteristic, and so its r>7ll auxiliaries, branches, and associations. Your committee do not hesitate to affirm that of all the public religious institutions throughout the British dominions, the British and Foreign Bible Society is, as to its catholicity' preeminent. " Turning to the balance sheet for the past year, we find an aggregate income larger than in any previous year, amounting nearly to a quarter of a million. The report again reminds us that the society has printed the Scriptures in whole or in part in about 200 languages or dialects, and looking at the wide field of the society's operations, its work at home and in foreign lands, we marvel at its magnitude and glorify God in its success. But how much after all remains to be done before the teeming populations of our earth will be fairly supplied with the Holy Scriptures ? and again appealing to the friends and supporters of the society, we ask for a continuance of your sympathy, support, and prayers ; and let it be borne in mind that in either collecting, giving, or aiding the society in any other way, you are helping to give to the children of men the priceless boon—the Word of God, ' Which liveth and abideth for ever.' " Mr Jamieson read the balance-sheet, which showed that the receipts of the Auxiliary during the year had been £456 2s 7<l, and the expenditure £448 ss. The receipts of the previous year were £4Ol. The Rev Archdeacon Wilson then moved i.he following resolution : ' That the report now read be received and printed under the direction of the committee." In doing so he made a few remarks on the subject of the re port. He congratulated all Christians upon the great success of the British and Foreign Bible Society, which was doing, its utmost to set the word of God before the whole 'of mankind. It seemed to him that the Bible Society was analagous to the gift of tongues. He would like to see some history, to satisfy scholarly minds that the work of translation had been done by such a set of men as to make us satisfied that the two hundred versions of the Bible were true copies of the original. He had looked well into thiß matter, but had found very little information. He should be very glad if a suggestion could be made to those at home, so that they could come to know something of those toilers who had translated the Scriptures into two hundred languages. In New Zealand fchey knew of Sir William Martin, Bishop Patterson, Dr Maunsell, and others, who had been instrumental in the conversion of the Bible into Maori. It was a fact that the study of the Melanesian dialect by Bishop Patteson and Sir William Martin had absolutely thrown some light upon the Hebrew language. The Rev W. Morley seconded the motion. The report read, revealed a very large amount of work on the part of the society. Subscriptions had been received not only in Christchurch, but in ten or twelve of the centres of population throughout the province. They should feel proud that New Zealand contributed more than any other colony except New South Wales, and when they considered that Canterbury contributed about a quarter of the total subscriptions in New Zealand, they might very fairlj congratulate themselves, and heartily thank the committee for the evident interest they had taken in this branch of the British and IToreign Bible Society, which lay as the basis of all missionary societies. He rejoiced to know that the Word of God was now being more largely inquired for among the Maoris than at any previous time. He trusted that next year the report to be laid before them would be even cf a more cheering character than that of the present year. The motion was carried unanimously.

The Rev M. Elmsie moved—" That this meeting desires to acknowledge with gratitude to Almighty God the extended labors and usefulness which have characterised the operations of the parent society during the past year, and especially rejoices in the continued prosperity of this auxiliary." The sphere of the operations of the society was daily widening, and was penetrating to the uttermost and innermost parts of the world. The philosophy of the Bible was, after all, really the only truth which could satisfy (he human heart, and was far above the philosophy of scepticism, which could not meet its wants. He hardly believed in such a thing as pure atheism. He should regard an intelligent atheist, calmly denying a Supreme Being, as a prodigy and an objectof the profoundest pity. They rejoiced in the success of the British and Foreign Bible Society as a means of imparting the divine truth which led to supreme happiness. In conclusion, he congratulated the meeting upon the success of the Canterbury auxiliary.

The Rev Mr Maciarlane seconded the resolution, and thought that, if the meeting was not very large, it was at all events select. Like Mr Wilson, he would like to see a history of the translators of the bible. It would be a record of the most patient self-denying toil, of the lives of the most worth} men that had ever lived. The motion was agreed to. The Rev Mr Hallowes moved—" That the cordial thanks of this meeting be given to the collectors for their very efficient services ; also to the treasurer, secretaries, and committee, and that the following gentlemen be the officers and committee for the ensuing year:—Treasurer, R. W. Black; secretaries, Rev J. Aldred and Mr George Jameson ; committee, Messrs J. J. Fletcher, J. Inglis, G. Booth, J. P. Jameson, C. R. Blakiston. W. D. Carruthers, H. W. Hargreaves, W. B. Bray, J. Ballantyne, W. H. Packer, J. H. Twentyman, C. W. Turner, J. Cameron, J. Anderson, T. Pillow, R, W. Black, H. Purdie, and W. B. Craig, with ministers of all denominations who subscribe to the society's funds, and the treasurers and secretaries of the branch societies." The Rev Mr Habens seconded the resolution. He would ask Mr Wilson before the the meeting separated to move a resolution on the subject of a history of the translators of the Bible being brought under the notice of the home society. The resolution was carried.

The Bev Mr Wilson promised to bring forward the matter referred to in concert with the committee, and send home a resolution on the subject Mr Inglis moved, and Mr Black seconded —" That the cordial thanks of this meeting be given to Mr H. R. Webb for his kindness iu presiding upon this occasion," Carried by acclamation.

SPINNING AND WEAVING COMPANY.

The fourth general meeting of the shareholders of the above company was held on Thursday, at the Music Hall. Mr J. P. Jameson occupied the chair. The chairman, in opening the business, said that Mr W. H. Lane, the chairman of directors, was unavoidably detained in the Resident Magistrate's Court, and therefore could not be present that day. He would now call upon the secretary, Mr J. M. Heywood, to read the advertisement calling the meeting, and the'minutes of the last annual meeting. The secretary read the advertisement, and the minutes of the last annual and a special general meeting, which latter were confirmed.

The secretary then read the following report:— " The directors beg to lay before the shareholders their first report showing a profit and loss account and in doing so, while they regret the loss shown on the year's transactions, they are glad to be able to report that very many of the difficulties incidental to the starting of a new induitry have been overcome.

" The directors can congratulate the shareholders that they have proved they are able to produce a good article, and that there is in the colony a large market for their products. The past year has, however, taught them that to supply this market with profit to the company, their powers of producing must be considerably increased, and, after much deliberation, they determined to enlarge the establishment, and have sent home for the necessary plant. " It will be necessary to elect four directors, three in the room of Messrs W. H. Lane, J. P. Jameson, and H. Packer, whoretire in terms of articles of association, and who, being eligible, have given the necessary notice of their intention to become candidates, aud one in the roam of Mr E. W. Trent. " W. H. Lane, Chairman." The following is the statement of profit and loss account for the year ending March 31st, 1876 :—Dr : To preliminary expenses up to March, 1875, being balance brought forward from last account, £IOOO 9s 3d ; wool, coal, and materials used in manufacture, £2328 0i Id ; wages and general expenses, £2058 9s ; iusurance, £Bl 49 lid ; interest, £sll 8s 5d ; total, £5979 lis Bd. Cr : By transfer fees and interest oE calls, £39 4s 3d ; goods manufactured, £3OBO 8s 4d; amount received on eighty-seven shares forfeited, £125 10s ; balance, being loss, viz, preliminary expenses to March, 1875, and add balance to March, 1876, £2134 9s Id ; total, £5979 ll*Bd.

The chairman said at this time last year the company was only on the threshold of their enterprise, and the directors since had had many trials to pass through. Now, however, their machinery was fully employed, aud every article they made was disposed of. They had orders outside the province which they were unable to execute, owing to the smallness of their plant. Tiey had reminded the Government that there was a £2OOO grant which had been placed on the estimates for the first company who would produce £SOOO worth of woollen goods, and they expected to be ready and able to claim this bonus in a short time. They had had to dismiss the hands brought out from England, and were dependent upon local talent. Looking to this fact, he thought their success was the more gratifying. The fact was that they were unable to manufacture goods fast enough. When they received the £2OOO bonus from the Government they would be enabled to reduce the overdraft at the Bank. During the year they had manufactured some £4OOO worth of goods. He did not know that he had any further remarks to make, but would now propose the adoption of the report. Mr Deßourbel wished to ask whether the £2OOO loss and the £2OOO overdraft to the Bank of New South Wales were Included in the loss shown in the balance sheet.

The chairman replied that the loss was only £2OOO, not £4OOO. Mr Deßourbel wished to ask the rate of interest paid to the Bank of New South Wales.

The chairman stated that the amount paid was 9 per cent. Mr Deßourbel thought this was rather hiqh. He would now like to ask how the valuation of the plant, buildings, &c, was arrived at. The chairman said they were valued at the prices they had cost. Mr Deßourbel asked whether any depreciation was allowed for wear and tear. The chairman said that there was not, as the plant and buildings were all new. Mr Deßourbel would now like to ask whether, as had been stated in the city, the directors had been selling the products of the factory at a price below what it cost to produce. The chairman said that when they started, of course they had to introduce a new industry. They were not supported by the houses in the trade to the extent they expected, and they therefore reduced the price of the manufactures Id per yard, which just enabled them to compete with the imported article. By doing this they had been enabled to get the trade to come and look at their goods, and to purchase largely. They had a large stock of goods at Kaiapoi, and it was resolved to bring it down to Ghristchurch and sell it there. Of course, the first portion of the goods, from the exceptional circumstances under which it was produced, could not be sold at a high price. Since then they had reverted to the old price, and the Id per yard had been reimposed. Mr M. B. Hart would like to know whether the directors had power to order unlimited machinery for a transaction which had been a loss, without consulting the share holders. He thought it was only right that, under such circumstances, the shareholders should have been consulted in the matter. He should also object to the chairman proposing the adoption of the report, as he considered the chairmau was there to act as chairman only, and not to propose any resolution. It would, in his opinion, have been very much better for some of the shareholders to have moved the adoption of the report. Mr De Bourbel was of the Rame opinion as Mr Hart, and he thought it was not right of the directors under the circumstances of the company, which many of the shareholders considered should be wound up, to order a large amount of machinery without consulting the shareholders. The chairman said that it was evident to the directors that more machinery was necessary to carry on the operations of the company, and if they had waited for a meeting of the shareholders much valuable time would have been lost. As iegarded Mi

Hart's remarks, he contended that he had a perfect right to move the adoption of the report. Mr Booth asked if it was intended to increase the steam power ? The chairman said it was.

Mr John Anderson said that it seemed to him that he, as well as other shareholders, were much to blame for having put this power in the hands of the directors, Of course these complaints were only to b« pxpected when no dividend was to be declared. The chairman said that if they had waited for the shareholders to meet they would have lost a season. The amount they pro posed to expend on machinery and new buildings was about £SOOO, and this would provide for thirty looms instead of ten, which would enable them to turn out five times the amount of work they were doing. They therefore sent home an order for machinery in haste, in order that no time Bhould be lost. The capital of the company was sufficient to cover all debts and also the cost of the new machinery. They however also intended to raise a loan on their works and plant. Mr M. B. Hart said that he still thought that the directors should have consulted the shareholders on Ihe subject. They had been, losing up to the present time, and yet they were now asked by the directors to sanction their action in procuring from England a quantity of machinery. What guarantee had the directors that when they got this machinery their loss would not be as great or greater ? The Chairman said that they anticipated that they would have a very large increase of business. At present they had large orders offered them which they could not possibly execute owing to the sm*llness of their plant of machinery. The directors saw this, and they had therefore no alternative but to order more machinery, and they could not wait until the shareholders met.

Mr Hart again protested against Mr Jameson as chairman moving the adoption of the report. Mr Bird seconded the adoption of the report, which was carried. The next business wa? the election of directors, and Messrs Lane, Jameson. W. H. Packer, and J L. Coster were elected. Mr T. b. Craig was elected as auditor to the company. The chairman said that any shareholder could obtain his scrip.

Mr Parnham said that as au old resident of Kaiapoi he wished to bring under the notice of the directors, that in case of flood, as at present situated, their machinery was in danger, unless some works were executed. He thought about £IOO would suffice to place the works in safety.

The chairman said this had not been overlooked, and the additions to the works were being placed six inches above the usual level. The directors would, however, take every precaution.