Sunday School Convention.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XVIII, Issue 4191, 14 May 1897, Page 2

Sunday School Convention.

The half-yearly convention of teacher* connected with the Wesleyau Sunday schools of the Ashburton and Wiltowhy circuits, was held in the 8 ring Square scho Iroom !a t night. Between thir y and forty teachers were present, the country schools being well represented. The Rev. Kobert Taylor, who was in the chair, was el cted President, Rev Jw J. Mather vice-Presidei>t, and Mr H&rlaud Orayburn was reeiected secretary nnd school inspector. Mr Grayburn reported that he had visited ilie various Sunday schools of the two circuits, and in the majority of cases the work being done was moafc commendable. In oae >r two «nst wees the staff of teachers was too small, and the «ecretary put in his plea for more help from the lirger centres. It reply to questions i was stated that the United Conventiou had quite jus ified its existence by the good work which had been accomplised, incidents of which were given. Mr Herbert Steel then

read an excellent puper on '? iome features

of an up-to-date superintendent." The paper was of the " much in little " style, and the subject wa< dealt with under the following headings : —The qualifications necessary were —1. A man whose heart God has touched, and whose life is clean. 2. Power to govern. 3. Devotion to work—" This one thing 1 do.' 5 The Sunday school should have first place. 4. A sociable dispodiion; on this would depend much of his influence with

J both teachers and scholars. 5. A Bible so aa to give an opin:on upon any

>crip'ure question that a perplexed teacher

might refer to him. 6. Patience. 7. Definite aim—" My school for Jesus." 8. Punctuality. Prior to discussing the paper tea, coffee, an^l other light refreshments were dispensed. A most interesting and at times animated conversation then ensued, which was brought to a close by the Rev J, J. Mather and the chaimian briefly addressing the convention. It was decided that the next meeting ba held at Willowby on a date to be fixed, when a model lesson is to be given by a trained teacher. At the conclusion of the meeting it was freely expressed that the convention of last night was, in some respects, the best o? its kind yet held iD the AshburtonWillowby circuits.