Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4311, 25 October 1882, Page 2

Anniversary Soiree.

The soiree ia <fpnnection iwith the 13 th anniversary of the Baptist Sunday School was held last night. There was a good attendance, notwithstanding the wet weather, at both the tea and public meeting. After the meeting had been opened in the usual manner, the Chairman (Mr J. Henshaw) apologised for the absence of the Revs. Calder, and Bull, and stated, that the..pastor,. Bey.' T. L. Bavies, had been unavoidably detained in Auckland. He referred to the great good which had been accomplished by Sunday schools, especially in.the way of fostering a lore of education before the i nstitution of public schools, and, palled upon

the secretary to read the annual report, which showed that during the year the school had lost four teacbers, whosd places had been filled up from the church and Bible class, the number now being 17, five of whom taught twice a day. 'ihe average -attendance had been about 68 in the morning, and 140 in the afternoon, the total number of scholars on the books being 220. The library had been well used, and a large quantity of periodicals and bound volumes had been purchased by the scholars during the year from the Sunday School Union. The Treasurer's statement showed the. total receipts to have been £50 2s Bd, and the expenditure £46 6s 4d, leaving a balance on hand of £3 16s 4d.

.The Rev. R. Laishley in his speech briefly sketched the great success which had everywhere attended mission work, especially in India and China, and the great good done by the British and Foreign Bible Society. He also spoke on the great changes which had taken place since his youth, and expressed his firm conviction that if the youth of the present day lived as long as he had they would see more wonderful changes still.

Ber. C E. Barley gave an interesting address on " The hindrances to Sunday School* work," and JEJer/ S. ; J. Neill pointed out the necessity of a good foun« dation of the character of children, being laid at home, before they went to the Sunday School, and the cultivation of a true lore for parents, home and country. Mr Bamford was well received, and gave an interesting address on the best qualifications of « Sunday School teacher and the way to remove hindrances.

During the evening the choir sang several pieces in a pleasing manner. The usual votes of thanks were carried, and the meeting was closed with the Benediction.