BIBLE SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 October 1942, Page 3

BIBLE SOCIETY

MASTERTON BRANCH MEMBERS’ ANNUAL MEETING. RECORD COLLECTIONS. The annual meeting of the Masterton branch of the British .and Foreign Bible Society was held m the Methodist schoolroom yesterday afternoon. There was a large and representative attendance which was presided ovei by the president, the Rev H. S. Kings. The Rev A. T. Thompson, M.A., 8.D., formerly Commonwealth Secretary oi the society, was present and gave a most interesting and inspiring address on the work of the society, a report of which appears elsewhere in this issue. Votes of thanks were passed, to Mr Thompson for his address, to the lady collectors, and to the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—President, the Rev D. McNeur; vice-presidents, the Ven Archdeacon E. J. Rich, Revs H. S. Kings A. T. Thompson, H. Taepa, I. Edwards, Adjutant B. Stone, Mesdames J. Macßae, J. W. Perry; committee, Mesdames J. Macßae, H. S. Kings, E. J Rich, D. McNeur, F. Racthffe, I. Edwards, L. B. Maunsell,. S. N. Kilgour, C. Mabson, G. G. Tolhurst, E. J. Brown, Miss Lois McGregor; secretary and treasurer, Mrs E. J. Brown; ladies’ auxiliary, president, Mrs J. Mcßae; committee, Mesdames 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, inter alia: Though we have passed through the darkest hour in the world’s history and also a very, trying time due to the earthquake, with its accompanying trials, as well as an unusual amount of sickness, the interest in the work has been very real and earnest. Realising that there would be many difficulties to face, on account of the unsettled conditions prevailing, our collectors showed greater determination than ever to make the most of their opportunity for service. .Their efforts were well rewarded and they were’greatly cheered by the growing recognition of the wonderful way in which the society is carrying out its world-wide work, particularly among our soldiers, sailors and airmen. The result was another record collection, the sum of £l6O having been raised, compared with £155 Is lOd last year. “In May last Mrs V. Wakelin, organising secretary, paid us her annual visit. Successful meetings were held at the residence of Mrs F. Ractliffe, Master ton South, and Mrs A. T. Thompson, Upper Plain. A combined meeting of Masterton Central and Lansdowne branches was held at the Methodist Sunday School and we desire to express our warmest thanks to the hostesses and those responsible for these helpful gatherings. “The Ladies’ Auxiliary, with Mrs J. Macßae as president, has again worked most efficiently and our warmest thanks are due to them as well as 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 enthusiasm resulting in the great success of the campaign. We also express our gratitude to all our ministers for their kindly interest and co-opera-tion. . ■ ‘

“Our committee has received with regret the resignation of Mrs J. W. Perry, who for twenty-one years has been secretary of the Upper Plain branch. We desire to place on record our deep appreciation of her long and devoted service since the inception of our branch. Although Mrs Perry is no longer able to carry out secretarial duties we know that her interest and co-operation will always be with us.”