BIBLE SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 September 1941, Page 2

BIBLE SOCIETY

MASTERTON BRANCH MEMBERS’ ANNUAL MEETING. RECOPvD COLLECTIONS. The annual meeting of the Masterton branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held in St. Matthew's Parish Hall yesterday afternoon. There was a large and representative attendance which was presided over by the president, the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich. The Rev. David Calder. E.D., H.A)., Dominion secretary, was present and gave a most interesting and inspiring address on the work of the society, a report of which appears elsewhere in 1 this issue. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Calder for his address, to the lady collectors and to the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follow: President, the Rev. H. S. Kings; vice-presidents, the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich, the Revs J. Davies, D. McNeur, A. T. Thompson. V. W. Jbblin, H. Taepa, Major 0. E. Ransom, Mrs J. Macßae; committee, Mesdames J. Macßae, H. S. Kings, E. J. Rich, D. McNeur. F. Ractliffe,, J. W. Perry, L. B. Maunsell, S. N. Kilgour. 0. Mabson, G. G. Tolhurst, E. J. Brown, Miss Lois McGregor; secretary and. treasurer, Mrs E. J. Brown; ladies’ auxiliary, President, Mrs J. Macßae; committee, Mesdames J. AV. Perry, L. Moore. F. Ractliffe, J. M. James, L. B. Maunsell, W. L. Hunter, G. G. Tolhurst, S. N. Kilgour, C. Mabson, E. J. Brown, Miss Lois McGregor. Annual Report. The annual report, which was adopted. stated: 1 “The executive of the auxiliary has pleasure in presenting their report on the year's work. It has been a great privilege, through the medium of the British and Foreign Bible Society, to have been of service in the spread of the Word of God, with its message of strength and comfort, in this darkest hour of the world's history. Realising that there would be many unusual difficulties to face during the year on account of the unsettled conditions prevailing the collectors threw themselves heart and soul into the effort. They received a most sympathetic hearing chiefly on account of the growing recognition on the part of the public of the wonderful way in which the society is carrying out its world-wide 'work. It is pleasing to record that the collections show an increase over those of last year, the sum of £154 19s 4d having been raised compared with £144 Us 5d last year, an increase of £lO 7s lid. This constitutes a record for our branch. Owing to illness, Mrs V. Wakelin, organising secretary, was unable to pay her annual visit to us. The Rev. David Calder, Dominion Secretary, very kindly undertook to fill the gap and was very pleased with the warm welcome extended to him. Meetings were held at the residences of Mrs F. E. J. Ractliffe, Masterton South, and Mrs A. T. Thompson Uppei\ Plain. A combined meeting of Lansdowne and Masterton Central was also held at St. Matthew’s Parish Hall. To the hostesses and those responsible for the organisation of these ful meetings we desire to express our warmest thanks. The Ladies’ Auxiliary, with Mrs J. Macßae as president, has again worked most efficiently and our warmest thanks are due to the branch presidents and secretaries for their ever-ready help at all times. To our collectors we owe a "deep debt of gratitude for their untiring efforts and faithfulness which are beyond all praise. We' also express heartfelt thanks to all our Ministers for their kindly interest and co-operation in making known from the pulpit the value of the work of our Society. In conclusion we pray that our Heavenly Father will continue to bless the efforts of all those engaged in this vital sphere of service.” The report was signed by the president, the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich.