SOUTH TARANAKI C.E. UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 67, 27 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 Endeavourors was one of the best 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 tho 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 191243 had 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 the district and that it would be even more successful than the one just past. The balance-sheet on being read showed a healthy balnce in hand. In moving the’ 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. Patfison and Rev. .Diddle; junior societies’ superintendent, Mr D. Everiss; secretary, Miss M. Clemow; treasurer, Miss G. Everiss.

At 2.30 p.rn. the meeting adjourned till 3.1-5 p.m., and on resuming, the church was well filled. This perhaps was the 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 out papers were read by representatives from the Gill Street Baptist (N.P.) and Norrnanby Societies, taking as their subject “The Endeavourer 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 the Endeavourcrs adjourned to the schoolroom for tea, which had been provided by the ladies of the Stratford Societies. Tho meetings again commenced at 7.30 p.m., but by this time the ranks of tho Endeavourcrs had considerably thinned as tho majority had to return home tho 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 Haweraj. Before departing for their homes, the Endeavourcrs were once again entertained by the Stratford ladies at supper. During the day solos were rendered by Misses J. Fenwick (Stratford), “Sometime We’ll Understand,” and Connett (New Plymouth), and Mr 1. Nelson (Stratford), “Oh, for tho 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 Ale.” The Executive Committee met in tho evening, and decided to hold the mid-winter rally at Hawora, the Hawera Societies to bo asked lo make tho necessary arrangements.