BIBLE CLASS RALLY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4850, 8 July 1925, Page 2

BIBLE CLASS RALLY.

SPECIAL SERVICES AT PAEROA. SOUTH AUCKLAND METHODISTS. The Centenary Hall, Paeroa, presented a very animated scene on Saturday evening, the occasion being a formal welcome to about fifty, members of the South Auckland Methodist Bible Union. Delegates were present from the King Country, Te Awamutu, Hamilton, and all parts of the Thames Valley, and these,. together With the members of the local Methodist Bibleclass, church members, and friends, filled the gaily decorated hall to overflowing. After extending a hearty welcome to the Visitors, and expressing the hope that .they would be favouied with good weather and spend an enjoyable week-end in Paeroa, the Rev. A. M. Costain said that he. wished to congratulate the local church members on the splendid arrangements made for the reception of the visitors, and trusted that the meeting of members from other parts would cement new friendships and add zest to Bibleclass rallies, in the province. There was a growing daily need for keener Bible knowledge, and it was mainly by unison that real good could be accomplished, and if people would apply the knowledge obtained from the Bible to their daily lives the world would soon become a happier and better world.

In .acknowledging the welcome Mrs Williams, of’ Hamilton, president of the South Auckland Methodist Bible Union, said that it had giveii the visitors great’ pleasure to come to Paeroa, and she, too, felt that much good, would be the outcome of the rally. -She had great pleasure in introducing Miss. Lorna Hodder, who had recently bene appointed Dominion travelling secretary to the union, and would ask her to address the gathering.

Miss Hodder, who was received with prolonged applause, and wap presented with a beautiful bouquet of violets' and asparagus fern, .thanked the gathering for the hearty welcome accorded her and expi’essed thanks and appreciation of the honour conferred in her .appointment to such an important position.

Miss Hodder said she realised that her post was one brimming over with opportunities, and she hoped to discharge her duties satisfactorily. She congratulated the Paeroa members an their cnthißsiasm and the excellence of the arrangements made for the reception of so many visitors. Among the rallies which she had attended Miss Hodder said that the spirit ot unity and comradeship was steadily increasing, and she believed that the desire for Bible knowledge was the reason for the Union’s rapid development. There were many people who still thought that, any system of re_ligiouis instruction “was a large system of dont’s” ; but if people would try and grasp the true conception of the Bible such impressions would soon be corrected. Much was heard about, the present generation and the evil influences of the world to-day, and newspapers specially featured such, happenings as juvenile crimes, but there were always two sidejj to be considered. The good that was being done in the world and the progress of’ Bible research work were not so featured, because, she supposed, facts were not so easily obtained and the good being done was less spectacular.

Miss Hodder counselled the members to examine their consciences and ascertain in what way their lives could be improved and influences shed for good. It was so rarely the better and truer side o.f one’s charatcer that was shown. The present was a golden opportunity to inspire new lives by thought, word, and deed; but such inspiration was v.alueelss without the knowledge and help of the Bible. The speaker expressed the hope that much good would be done tys a result of the r,ally, and that members would stick together and work steadfastly for the good of the common weal. (Applause.)

Enjoyable vocal items were contributed during the evening by Misses R. MeCullay, Kirkwood (2), and the Rev. Contain, at the conclusion of which the hall was cleared and an hour spent, in pleasant social intercourse and indoor games. Supper was served by tlie local girl members of the union.