N.Z. STATE SCHOOLS MISSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1788, 12 February 1918, Page 3

N.Z. STATE SCHOOLS MISSION.

INTERIM REPORT OF FOXTON VISIT. [Contributed.] Addresses on Sundays 3rd and 10th insts., were given in three local churches, and the Salvation Army, and w r eek evening Bible readings in the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. In the public school, outside hours, and often in the open air, under the trees, talks all last Aveek and this have gone on to three divisions, the daily average attendance being about 300. The course concludes on the 14th inst. About 100 of the seniors avlio profess to have been helped have brought slips for a birthday letter; these are listed and passed on to their Sunday school superintendent for some extra shepherding. (One thousand letters gone out yearly.) In reply to many enquiries, this quiet effort has gone ii head for five years —no salary, society collection plate, or committee —“without purse or scrip,” or private means, upon faith lines only; without, begging, yet, D.G., £440 has been put into the missioner's band or slipped into bis pocket; gifts, often from perfect strangers, who value the work. A last Bible reading will be given in (he Presbyterian schoolroom on Friday. Possibly Shannon may follow.

To-morrow (Wednesday), at 7.45 p.m., in (he Methodist Church, will be given an address entitled, “Masjer Masons,” to Freemasons, (heir friends, and to all Christian workers. Into this has gone many weeks of work —it has been useful to 1,000 thoughtful souls. The local “referendum to parents, and “voting papers” thereon, have been carefully sent out by the staff. About 200 names are in, whose parents desire their regular attendance at the Bible classes on Thursdays throughout the year. The visiting “sheep-dog” is delighted that three shepherds and two shepherdesses stand ready to feed all these hungry lambs!