BIBLE CLASSES

Northern Advocate, 18 April 1933, Page 2

BIBLE CLASSES

EASTER CAMPS

In spite of the threatening rain and adverse weather conditions which prevailed on Thursday afternoon, the Presbyterian Bible Classes embarked from the Whangarei town wharf on board the Oleo. The young men arrived at their camp at Parua Bay about 9.30 p.m. and at once commenced to dig themselves in—not only to their quarters, but also to the excellent tea which the advance party had prepared. This latter part of the programme was due to efforts of Mrs Fullbrook, who has proved herself a. wonderful "Camp Mother." Associated with the 26 boys in camp are the Camp Father, Rev. .1. D. MeFarlane, of Waipu, Rev. W. Elliott, of Whangarei, Rev, C. Brierly, of Hikurangi, and Mr E. A. Bates, of Whangarei, making a grand total of 30. The boys are divided into study groups of six under four different colours, which represent the Christian faith, viz: White, for purity; green, for suffering; red, for sacrifice; blue, for loyalty. These groups are under the leadership of Messrs Norman .McDonald and Wilfred Brown, Arthur Plaistcd, Cliff Mills and lan Brown respectively. The study book, "The Price and Power of Discipleship" which covers the death and resurrection of Christ, is proving both interesting and helpful. On Good Friday all hands attended divine service in the Parua Bay hall, after the completion of the study circles at II a.m. The afternoon was devoted to a steeplechase to Pataua, where some of the party enjoyed a dip in the breakers. The winner of the steeplechase was G. Watson, with H. Findlay second amt Alex Crozier third.

The evening was spent, in a community" sing-song, and a short address by the Rev. Brierly. "Lights out" was sounded at 10.30 and Camp Father tucked the boys in. Saturday morning was spent in tho study circles, .after which the Rev. Brierly gave a short talk on ‘ ‘ Success. ’’

The physical side of camp life was attended to in the afternoon, when the various groups competed for points in the inter-group competition. Points allowed were six for first, four for second and two for third. This section was in the capable hands of H, Findlay. The results were as follows; —Junior Sprint: P. Wilson (Green) 1, A. Crozier (Green) 2, R. Crosby (Red) 3. Junior Relay: Green I, Red 2, White 3. Junior Tug o’War: Green 1, White 2, Red 3. Senior Sprint; E. Wilson (White) 1, C. Mills (Red) 2, A. Syme (Red) 3. Senior Relay: White I, Blue 2, Red 3. During the evening a sing-song was indulged in, also a competition, which was won by Green, with Blue second, Red third and White fourth. Sunday was spent with study circles in the morning and divine service in the hall in the afternoon, after which some of the party “ hiked” to vantage points in order to gain a view of the surrounding country. The evening passed with the reading of missionary stories and the singing of favourite hymns.

Monday morning was spent, with study circles until 10.30, and then a. steeplechase to Taurikura, where lunch was partaken of with the Young Women’s Bible Classes, after which all joined in a “trek” to Smugglers’ Bay. A first-class banquet was held in. the evening, and a lengthy toast list honoured. The toasts were as follows:—The King; “The Presbyterian Church,” proposed by the Rev. W, El liott and responded to by the Rev. X D, McFarlane; “Young Women Bible Class Union,” proposed by the District Secretary, Mr Cliff Mills, and. responded to by Mr lan; Brown; “Camp Mother (Mrs Fullbrook),” proposed by Mr W. Gloyn, and responded to by the Camp Father and the Gamp Mother; “Young Men’s Bible Class Union,” proposed by Mr E. A. Bates, and responded to by Mr Arthur Plaisted.

The present position of the various groups in the competition is as follows: —Blue, 164. points; Green, 14;.‘ points; Red, 110 points; and AVhite, 86 points.

Camp was broken on Tuesday morning, everybody being sorry to say good-bye to Parua Bay, but proclaiming the camp as “the best ever held,” and feeling the benefit of the change of atmosphere from a “Four-square” aspect.