WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5327, 24 April 1878, Page 3

WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

The anniversary of the Manners-street "Wesleyan Sunday-school was celecrated by asocial gathering last evening. An excellent tea was laid in the schoolroom, Dixon-street, the lady teachers presiding at the well-burdened tables. Justice having been done to the creature comforts provided, the company proceeded to the Manners-street Church, where addresses were delivered. The Lev. Mr. Reid, pastor of the church, presided, and there were also on the platform the Rev, Air. Williams, Air. Dellow, Air. Tiller, and Air. Reeve. After a hymn had been sung and prayer offered up, the following report was read by Air. Cell:—

Tn consequence of the severe illness of the secretary the report which I am about to read will necessarily be of an imperfect character with regard to details. During the past 35 years 2SO teachers have given instruction in the truths of our holy religion to more than 3000 scholars who have come under their care. When wc consider the time and labor that must be spent in preparing and giving such instruction, we think that too much praise cannot be given to those who have voluntarily engaged in this work. The b-.nefleial effects of such labor are so self-evident and so closely connected with the progress of reli-, gion that we feel the greatest confidence in commending it to the sympathies of all who take any in eresfc in the progress of Christianity, The present staff consists of a superintendent, secretary, librarian, 11 ladies, and 17 gentlemen engaged regularly in the school. In addition to these there are 7 auxiliaries whose duties only permit them to help occasionally. The average attendance of teachers is, in the morning S, and in the afternoon 21. There are on the register 171 girls and 189 boys in the main school, also 88 children in the infant school, making a total of 413. The average attendance of scholars is, in the morning 176, and in the afternoon 2GO. Of course it is understood that in striking this average no allowance is made for wet Sundays. Our library consists of 665 volumes, 42 having been added during the past year. It is a pleasure to notice that the children thoroughly appreciate it. Apart from the library there is one in connection with the young men’s Bible class, containing about. 100 volumes, which are divided annually, and fresh ones bought by the class. About 300 copies of the various periodicals provided by the school are distributed among the scholars each month. Before closing this report we desire to acknowledge with deep thankfulness the mercy and favor of God our Father during all the past year. But one death has occurred among the scholars and none among the teachers, and though the teaching staff suffers by teachers leaving as they take upon them other of life’s duties, or by their removing to other parts, others are found to take their places so vacated. We are also grateful to all who have in any way helped us in our work, and are encouraged to look for greater blessings from on high and more help from our many friends. Wc have still room and work for several teachers for classes of boys and girls.

The balance-sheet showed the receipts to have been 5s 4d less than the expenditure. Mr. Moxham, superintendent of the Sundayschool, after expressing regret at the serious illness of their secretary, said it was a surprising thing to see so many children growing up without any religious instruction save that which they received on the Sabbath day. Not long ago the Bible was read in most of their public schools, but now, unless the heads of families saw that the Scriptures were read to their children, they would not receive any Scripture instruction except that at the Sun-day-school. He hoped their Sunday-schools would be made more efficient, and that all the teachers would attend regularly, so that the classes should not be neglected. The Rev. Mr. Williams, the new pastor of the church, regarded it as a happy omen that one of his first duties in Wellington should be to attend the anniversary gathering of their Sunday school ; and he congratulated the teachers who were engaged in so good a work.

Mr. Tiller addressed some appropriate observations to those present, and

Mr. Reeve gave a recitation. Hymns were sung during the evening by the choir and those present.

The following officers were elected ;—Mr. William Moxham, superintendent; Mr. John Gell, secretary; Mr. A. Goddard, librarian. Members of the Sunday school committee : Messrs. G. Bennett, Elliot, Tustin, Banks, Williams, Ralph, Staff, Billman, Tattle, Alcorn, Helyer, Barnard, Moxham, Gell, Goddard, Bell, H. Bennett, Prince, Beaglehole, Chinchin, Rive, Tiller, Gooder, and Fitchett. The following collections were announced : —Collections Sunday, £l6 14s. 4d. ; collections Tuesday, £3 ss. 3d. ; proceeds tea meeting, £l3 os. ; total, £34 4s. 7d. The meeting closed with votes of thanks to the ladies presiding at the tables and to the choir. The cha ; rman supplemented his remarks in reference to the latter, saying' too much praise could not be given to Mr. W. H. Warren, the organist, for the manner in which he had trained the children.