BIBLE SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1942, Page 2

BIBLE SOCIETY

MASTERTON BRANCHES

A BUSY WEEK.

ANNUAL ROUND OF VISITS.

The week has been a busy one for members of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Masterton. The organising secretary, Mrs V. Wakelin. has been paying her annual round of visits, and several meetings have been held.

At Upper Plain the gathering \vas held at the residence of Mirs A. T. Thompson, and in spite of the inclement weather, a large number of ladies attended, including Miss L. McGregor and Mrs J. W. Perry, president and secretary of the branch, respectively. Two ladies offered their services as additional collectors in the annual appeal which will commence shortly. Members of the Central and Lansdowne branches met in the Methodist Church Hall, the Rev D. McNeur being amongst their number. These branches' are fortunate in retaining the services of the officers of previous years. The central president is Mrs G. G. Tolhurst and the secretary Mrs E. J. Brown, while the Lansdowne president is Mrs L. B. Maunsell, and the secretary Mrs S. N. Kilgour. The Masterion South meeting took place at the residence of Mrs F. E. J. Ractliffe and was conducted by Mrs J. Mcßae, who also gave a short reading from the Youth Message, describing a recent meeting in the Royal Albert Hall, London. The retiring president and secretary, Mesdames F. E. J. Ractliffe and C. R. Mabson. were reelected to each office for the ensuing year. Afternoon tea served at all these meetings was much appreciated and votes of thanks passed to the various hostesses.

Mrs Violet Wakelin, of the Bible House, Wellington, addressed each branch and congratulated them on the good work of last year. She spoke of the difficulties experienced by their English friends, and of their gratitude for the timely help given by New Zealand. She pointed out the vital necessity of the work today when so many of the forces of evil are active in the world, and suggested that the distribution of the Testaments to the fighting services may bear fruit in its influence on the rising generation in later years. Reference was also made, to the work in China, where so many millions are clamouring for the Word of GodSunday, May 3, is recognised throughout the Dominion as Bible Sunday, and no doubt will be observed in the various churches. The annual collection will commence at an early date, and friends are asked to subscribe generously to this society which cares for the spiritual welfare of our soldiers, sailors and airmen as well as that of the peoples of foreign countries.