CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19258, 13 March 1928, Page 4

CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

YESTERDAY'S BUSINESS. PROGRESS REVEALED. The proceedings at the Congregational Assembly yesterday morning were devoted wholly to reports. Devotional exercises led by the Rev. Norman Burgess were followed by the reception, after minor business, of the Pastor's Provident Fund.

The Moderator, the Rev. Harry Johnson, in presenting the report, said that beneficiary members numbered fourteen; that investments continued in a satisfactory condition, the sum standing to the credit of the Fund being well over £13,000, showing au increaso of £679 over the previous year. The London Missionary Society report presented' by the Rev. W. M. Holland was indicative of even more than ordinarv keenness for missionary matters in the Churches. Much enthusiasm had been aroused by the visit on deputation of Dr. Wareham, of Central Africa, special mention being made of. his visits to high schools throughout the Dominion. Financial support had been good, and much progress made in a, great many ways. The Ladies' L.M.S. report, read, by Mrs Mills, was remarkably well received. She told a story of real progress in each of the four centres. Not only had substantial sums of money been raised for the'L.M.S. funds, but also gifts of goods had been sent to missionaries abroad. Reallv useful work had been done among girls in amusing their interest in missionary affairs, and denizations arranged for. ■ Mr Harold Ennor presented the College report. Progress among extramural students was reported. and tribute paid to the Rev. W. M. Holland for his work as examiner. The Rev. 8. J. Hutchings presented the magazine report. The "Congregationalist" had gone ahead even though the number of subscribers was slightly lower.

A deputation from the New Zealand Alliance in the person of Mr C. E. Edmond was received in committee, the Rev. E. W. Weymouth afterwards assuring the speaker of the Assembly's support. An afternoon ministerial session was followed by tea in the Y.W.C.A. Cafeteria, where an address was given by Pastor S. J. Campbell on new developments in Whangarei. He vigorously explained the work accomplished by Mrs Campbell and himself in a scattered district. Delegates gained an insight into entirely novel conditions of work, Mr Campbell taking very literally the command to "Go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in." In the afternoon the wives of visiting ministers were entertained at afternoon tea by Mrs D. Gardnor Miller, at Trinity Manse. The gathering was in the nature of a conversazione, and there was a brief musical programme.