MISSIONARIES TO CHINA.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20919, 28 July 1933, Page 5

MISSIONARIES TO CHINA.

FAREWELL SERVICE IN CATHEDRAL. Many friends and workers of the Church Missionary Society attended Holy Communion and a Service of Dismissal in the Cathedral yesterday morning, the occasion being a farewell to Miss Stella Purchas and Miss Margaret Woods, who are leaving shortly to take up missionary work in China. The service, which was very impressive, was conducted by Bishop WcslWatson, assisted by Canon A. H. N orris. Miss Purchas, who is a daughter of Canon H. T. Purchas, and a greatgranddaughter of Bishop Harper, is a recruit for education work in Chekiang. Miss Woods has been doing general missionary work for some time at Hankow, but has lately been in New Zealand on furlough. On her return she will also go to Chekiang. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. At the annual meeting of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Church Missionary Society last evening opportunity was taken to say farewell to Miss Margaret Woods and Miss Stella Purchas, who are leaving for the mission field in China. Mr G. Stoning, who presided, said that while there was always a sufficient number for work in the home mission field, it had been left to a few to carry on the work overseas. Those who went to work in foreign missions must have absolute trust and dependence on God, but something remained to be done by those who remained behind. The torch had to be passed on. In conclusion, Mr Stening wished God-speed to both Miss Woods and to Miss Purchas, and tendered to

them, for the society, its richest blessing. ' Retilying, Miss Woods expressed thanks to all who had helped her while she was on furlough in New Zealand, and Miss Purchas expressed appreciation of the honour being paid her on the occasion of her departure for the mission field, at the same time indicating her realisation of the splen- ] did work which it was hers to under- _ take. ( Work of the Year. j The annual report of the society i stated that the usual activities had ( ■ been continued, and that in spite of ' difficulties, a forward movement had ' been made. During the year Miss 1 Margaret Woods, from Hangkow, Miss ] Vivienne Opis, from Rangahat Hos- ] pital, Miss Z. Sowry, from Dornakal, and Miss Blanche Tobin, from Kwei- , lin, had returned on furlough. Miss Stella Purchas, of Christchurch, and ' Miss North, of Nelson, were going out ■ to the mission field. • A series of special addresses had been held, and had been most sue- , cessful. The work of the book depot had beep carried on steadily, and as , a result of the increased sale of books, the depot showed a credit balance. The sales at the depot amounted to £342 3s 9d during the year, and the contributions for the work of the society amounted to £762 10s 9d. In conclusion 1 hanks were expressed to all who had assisted in the work of the society. The following members of the committee were elected for the ensuing year:—Secrelary, Mrs J. G. Slater: treasurer, Mr E. J. Bradshaw; committee, the Rev. Canon A. H. Norris, the Revs. E. C. W. Powell, B. Taylor, and F. B. Redgrave, Messrs G. Stening, and R. Bargrove, Mesdamcs J. B. Slater, and Sead-Gowing, the Misses V. Simpson, M. Macrae, G. Ffitch, M. V. Tayler, J. Spenser-Smith, J. Sewell, D. White, and G. Hassall.