BIBLE SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 May 1943, Page 3

BIBLE SOCIETY

AIEETINGS OF MASTERTON BRANCHES MRS V. WAKELIN VISITING DISTRICT. ACTIVITIES IN MANY LANDS. The Masterton branches of the British and Foreign Bible Society are once again commencing their campaign. Mrs V. Wakelin, of the Wellington Bible House, is visiting the district, and annual meetings of the various branches are being held. The Central and Lansdowne branches held a combined meeting in Knox Church and re-elected the officers of last year.' These were:—Central president, Mrs G. G. Tolhurst; secretary, Mrs E. J. Brown; Lansdowne, president, Mrs L. B. Maunsell; secretary, Mrs S. N. Kilgour. At this meeting Mrs Wakelin spoke of the work in Africa mainly, especially stresing the difficulties of language and dialect, the Word of God already having been translated into no less than 290 different tongues for that country. She also spoke of the distribution of Testaments throughout the British Empire to members of the Armed Forces, stating that over 60,000 had been used for New Zealand men alone. The meeting of the Masterton South branch was held at the residence of Mrs F. E. Ji Ractliffe, Mrs J. Macßae occupying the chair and conducting the devotions. The office bearers of last year, Mrs F. E. J. Ractliffe (president) and Mrs C. R. Mabson (secretary) were reelected for the ensuing year. Mrs Wakelin spoke of the British leaders of today and their profound belief in the Bible and its teaching. Instances cited were statements by the Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill, Sir Archibald Wavell, Sir William Dobbie, Sir Bernard Montgomery and Lord Ironside. Mrs Wakelin also talked of the work of Bible distribution in the occupied countries of Europe and of the wonderful stand made by church and school against Nazi teaching in Norway and Holland. Mrs and Miss Ractliffe served afternoon tea at the close of the meeting. Mrs A. C. Major was hostess to the gathering of the Upper Plain members, on which occasion Miss L. McGregor, president, conducted devotions and directed the proceedings. Mrs Wakelin spoke warmly of the years of good work done for the society by Mrs J. W. Perry in her capacity as secretary, and in accepting her resignation from that position trusted that her interest would still be retained. The election of officers resulted in the re-election of Miss L. McGregor as president and Mrs S. J. Dickason undertook the secretarial duties. Mrs Wakelin referred to the work of the society in South America, more especially in Brazil and interesting accounts of experiences of the colporteurs were given. It was worthy of note that the circulation of the Scriptures in that country was increasing with the years. Reference was again made to the work among the troops and support of this work was solicited. All officers and workers were thanked for their efforts of last year and encouraged to go forward in their good work. Collectors were asked to convey to subscribers the appreciation of the society for all gifts received. Afternoon tea was served and thanks offered to Mrs Major for her hospitality. During her stay in Masterton, Mrs Wakelin' has been the guest of the Misses Brown in Church Street. '