SOUTH TARANAKI C.E. UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 66, 26 March 1913, Page 6

SOUTH TARANAKI C.E. UNION.

[Contributed.] The annual convention of the above Union, held in the Broadway Church, on Good Friday, was a great success, and in the opinion of the Endeavourers was one of the host yet held under the auspices of this Union. New features were introduced into the convention by the dividing of the afternoon session into two meetings and in holding one in the morning. This latter meeting, which was well attended, was conducted by the president (Rev. Metson) Whose address was inspiring and helpful. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered at the close, a large number of Endeavourers partaking. The business meeting commencing at 1.30 p.m. was also largely attended by Endeavourers, but considerable disappointment was felt that those from south of Hawera were unable to be present, owing to the 12:30 train not running. The secretary’s report was decidedly encouraging. It stated that the year 1912-13 bad been one of the most successful in the history of the Union; five more societies had affiliated, and nearly every society in the Union had been visited by the president. There are now fifteen societies comprising a membership of 230 connected with the Union. In closing, the

secretary hopes that this year would be one of singular advancement of the interests of the Union throughout tne district and that it would be even more successful than the one just past. The balance-sheet on being read showed a healthy baluce in hand. In moving tho acceptance of the report and balance sheet, Rev. Metson expressed his high appreciation of the work done by the secretary (Mr D. Everiss).

The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Rev. Reader (Stratford); vice-presidents, Rev . Pattison and Rev. Diddle; junior societies’ superintendent, Mr D. Everiss; secretary, Miss M. Cleinow; treasurer, Miss C. EUcriss.

At 2.30 p.m. the meeting adjourned till 3.15 p.m., and on resuming, the church was well filled. This perhaps was tho most interesting meeting of all. Twelve societies responded to their names at the roll call, most of which were ‘well represented. Two splendid, and well thought cut papers were read by representatives from the Dill- Street Baptist (N.P.) and Normanby Societies, taking, as their •subject “The Endcavourer and His Bible.” The discussion on the papers was well continued and was Of a helpful and inspiring nature. After this meeting "the mundane affairs of life were reverted to, and tho Endeavourers adjourned to the schoolroom for tea, which had been provided by the ladies of the Stratford Societies.

'Jhe meetings again commenced at 7.30 p.m., but by this time the ranks of the Endeavourers had considerably thinned as tho majority had to return home the same day, and had left by tho evening trains. The meeting, however, was-well attended, more visitors being present. Two splendid addresses were given by tho new president (Rev. Reader), and, Rev. Shore (of Hawera). Before departing for/their homes, tho Endeavourers were once again entertained by tho Stratford ladies at supper. During the day solos were rendered by Misses J. Fenwick (Stratford), “Sometime WoTl Understand,” and Connett (New Plymouth), and Mr I. Nelson (Stratford), “Oh, for the Wings of a Dove;” Mrs and Miss McAllister sang “The Hymn of the Moravian Nuns,’ ’and Misses R. and G. Everiss and Messrs I. Nelson and D. Everiss, “Abide with Me.”

Tho Executive Committee met in tho evening, and decided to hold the mid-winter rally at Hawera, the Hawera Societies to bp asked to make the necessary arrangements.