BAPTIST UNION

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 86, 8 October 1914, Page 2

BAPTIST UNION

THE NEW ZEALAND EXECUTIVE. A meeting of the Executive Committee of the New Zealand Baptist Church Union was held in the Vivian-street Sunday Schoolroom yesteiday to transact business usually attended to at the annual conference, which is not being held this year, in consequence of Conditions arising out of the war. There were representatives present from "Wellington, Dunedin, Ohristohuroh, Wanganui, Gisborne, Auckland, Napier, and Invorcargill. The secretary reported that the net increase in membership for the year wa» 141, and the increase in baptisms 206. The number of scholars attending Baptist. Sim day schools had been increased by 240. The Students' Committee reported the success of the students attending Knox College (Dunedin) and the University, and the report of the general organiser (Rev. Alfred North) reported a-s the result of his visits to almost every part of th© Dominion that generally the work of the church was progressing favourably. Miss Hall, of Auckland, had been acoepted as a missionary for India, and the Auckland Tabernacle had guaranteed all her expenses for two years. The treasurer reported that the receipts in connection with foreign missions had amounted to £2952, and the expenses to £3612, showing a debit of £734. This rather large debit had been occasioned by encountering a year of economic _ tribulation, beginning with a rather disastrous strike,. and_ ending with ewe af the areateefc wars in history. Still, they were hopeful for the future, and did not anticipate that the foreign mission finances would bo long in debit. During the year the Ecv. John Tftkle, _ the cultured Mohammedan soholar and missionary, who had boen stationed at Brahmanbaria (India), had been invau'ded home to New Zealand. The Baptists' "Women's Miesionry Union showed a membership of 923 in 46 branches a net increase of 50 members for the year. / 'EO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS MINISTER STRUCK OFF THE ' ROLLS. The Executivp Caunerl of the New Zealand Baptist Union continued its sittings in Wellington to-day. The Rev. A. E. Kerr presided, and some important business was transacted. Mr. Walter Lambourne, treasurer of the union, presented the annual balancesheet, which showed an income- of £1530. The expenditure amounted to £1718, leaving a deficit of £78. However, various promises had been made, and it was probable that the -sum mentioned would be liquidated. ' The report of Mr. A. Hoby on the finances of the foreign mission section showed an income of £2952, and an expenditure of £3612. Hare again it is probable that tho deficit of £734 would be wiped off as a result of various promisesMiss Rice (Napier) and Miss Hall (Auckland) were both accepted for Foreign and Mission Service in India. The general organiser (tho Rev. A. North) presented the secretary's statement. The term for which Mr. North was appointed organiser had novv expired^ and he was accordingly appointed financial secretary for the Dominion. Satisfactory reports from the various auxiliaries were presented by the following: Rev. Howard Elliott (Auckland), Rev. J. J.i North (Canterbury), Rev. E. H. Hobday (Otago), and Rev. J. W. Hinton (Wellington). Rev. R. S. Grey reported the receipt of an anonymous donation of £100 to the general fund. The name of the Rev. A. T. Brainsby was regretfully struck oft' the ministerial roll. Sir. Montague LasCelles offered to support a native preacher at Bengal, and the offer was gratefully accepted. Nurse Cowles, who proceeded to India three years ago, was placed on the permantmit staff. She was successful at the exaltations. (Proceeding.)