BIBLE SOCIETY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 280, 24 October 1935, Page 2

BIBLE SOCIETY.

PALMERSTON NORTH BRANCH,

The following report was submitted to the annual meeting of -the Palmerston North branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society to-dav by the acting-secretary (Mr A. J. Graham): “In f,lie early part of the year, the departure. to te Old Country of Rev. C. S. Matthews let t the Palmerston North branch of the -

Manawatu Auxiliary without an executive officer to supervise and control the activities of this area. With the assistance of Mrs Aitchison collecting books were distributed to the secretaries of the various branches in the city, who speedily set their collectors to work. There have been many changes in the personnel of the local committees during the course of the year, and some difficulty was experienced in securing collectors to undertake the heroic task in these difficult days of obtaining subscriptions. Nevertheless, an enthusiastic group of workers rendered willing and self-sacrificing service. Their work is greatly appreciated and hereby acknowledged with gratitude. May they have their reward in the- consciousness that they are serving a very great cause. We cordially thank all who have laboured for us in the past and desire to assure them that their willing and cheerful co-operation has been invaluable to us.-

“Rev. D. Calder, Dominion Secretary, on a recent Sunday conducted services at St. Paul’s and" the Baptist Churches, and forcibly placed before bis bearers the aims and claims of our great missionary institution. Mrs F. Porter, the district organising secretary, from Bible House, Wellington, has been very active in the district during the past week, making fresh contacts, creating new' interests and in a very real sense stimulating and encouraging all who labour in this important branch of Christian service. “The services of Mr J. T. Burrell, who lias resigned the office of treasurer, are deserving of the highest commendation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who from time to time have generously given hospitality whenever called upon and to the Press for their generous recognition of our efforts. We confidently anticipate that, in the coming year, with the presence with us of the Spirit of Almighty God, to advance considerably by creating and maintaining a more sympathetic and practical interest in the work of the Bible Society and generally encouraging more liberal giving to a fellowship that exists for the furtherance of the Gospel, and whose purpose is ‘to encourage the wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures without note or comment.’ ”

COLLECTIONS MADE LOCALLY. The annual report of the British and Foreign Bible Society for New Zealand shows that the amount raised locally in the past year was £252 15s 3d, that total being made up as fol lows: —Palmerston North, £l4O 11s; Bunnytliorpe, £lO 5s 6d; Foxton, £8 ss; Levin, £2B 13s 6d; Linton, ss; Longburn, £4; Manakau, £3 ss; Otaki, £IG 19s Sd; Rangiotu, £10; Rongotea, £22 ss; Shannon, £7 14s 7d; Te Horo, 11s; total. £252 los 3d.