THE CITY MISSION

Evening Star, Issue 16994, 17 March 1919, Page 2

THE CITY MISSION

Tho annua] report of the Dunedin City Mission states: The past year has been the greatest period of testing which the world has passed through within historic times. This testing has touched our Km (lire in every part, and not least in New Zealand. Die war. during its four years of continuance, has taken heavy' toll of the best and brightest* of our young manhood, and the heart-racking epidemic at the end of lasu vear covered many households in our midst with the shadow of death, and left us scarred with many sorrows. But all who love the Lord Jesus Christ must rise superior to these tria.s, for we do not mourn as those witnout hope, but as those to whom divine strength is given to go forward unflinchingly in the work which it is our joy and privilege to undertake. Our missionary has had his full share of sorrow and anxiety during the year; but your committee rejoice in the good health and strength vouchsafed to him, and in the unconquerable optimism which enables him to go through with his work steadily Duong this List year the work of the mis sioa has been carried on quietly and efficiently. Old people and sick persons who are unable to take advantage of tho public services of the churches have been visited, comforted, and helped. The work among the young was interrupted at the close of the year bv the influenza epidemic, but the usual Bible classes were held in five *choo!»—viaf., Arthur Street, Albany Street, Maori Hill, Kaikorai, and Forbury—and •were largely attended. The assistance given by head masters and assistant teachers is invaluable, and is much appreciated by the members of your committee. The missionary reports: —With fully 50 years of quiet but ceaseless plodding in certain congenial lines of Christian work

behind me, my many true friends and generous supporters will not, I am quite sure, be surprised when it is announced that after the present year I shall most likely, with deep regret, ask my courteous and he'ip'u! Mission Committee to relievo me of the responsibilities of the office which 1 have had tho honor of holding for 24 years. Nature tells me I must slow down a bit. Christian work on broad, unsectarian and umonventional lines has been to mo ever since my youth a real pleasure, and, indeed, the passion of my life. And in evidence may 1 here bo allowed to note the privilege of having been closely associated with very many pastors and workers of different denominations, not only in Britain but also in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and New Zealand. Let me name some of the places visited during the past vear: Caversham, St. Andrew’s Hall. North-east Valley, Roslyn, Ravens--1 on me, Playfair Street Hall, Choral Hall, Kensington," Dundas Stieet, Kaikorai, Chalmers Church, Kelso, Outram, Woodside, Maungatua, Port Chalmers, Woodliaugh, St. Stephens, West Taieri, Cargill Road, etc., etc. Coming to money matters, both our much-esteemed president (Hon. G. M. Thomson) and Mr Rosevear (our careful bon. treasurer) could tell you that we never need in committee to pull a long face and wonde. what we must do to meet next month’s expenses. No, because thoughtful and generous men and women supply all our needs month by month and year 'bv year. Tho free-willing offerings range from 3£ to £25. In the matter of legacies we have been singularly fortunate. Wo thank God and take courage.