SCRIPTURE GIFT ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6329, 1 March 1882, Page 6

SCRIPTURE GIFT ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of thu society was held yesterday evening in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association ; Mr. F. G. Ewington in the chair.—The business of the meeting was opened with devotional exercises, the Rev. W. Morley engaging in nrayer.—The Chairman read the following explanation :—" Mr. J. C. Firth was distant from town, and beyond the reach of tele--Tam when this meeting was first advertised, and prior business arrangements prevent his attendance this evening." Letters of apology and sympathy with the operations tf the society were read from the Rev. Mr. Carrick and Mr. Frederick Larkins, who could not attend. The following is the annual report : —

In reviewing the work of another year, we see that there is much aliko to Incite us to praise God, and thank the friends who have been the-means of supplying needful funds for carrying on the work of the association. During the year, 4084 prize books have been awarded at 129 schools in this provincial district, and at three schools outside this district. These numbers show an increase of thirty schools, and 809 prizea distributed over that of the year preceding. Numerous testimonies, giving proof of unabated interest in the work, as well as appreciation of its chief object, viz., an increased acquaintance with the 1 Holy Scriptures, continue to be manifested by both paients and children. An extension of the association's work to workshop lads has been made, the result being sufficiently favourable to induce the committee to propose further effort towards benefitting tlu's semewhat neglected class. Presentations of books to forty-four Sumday and day school libraries have been made. The books of Scripture selected for she scholars, written and recited exercises, have been chietly the four Gospel and the Book of Psalms, these'being rezarded a3 especially suited to the juvenilo mind. Voluntary Scripture exercises undertaken by the children have exceeded in number by many hundreds those of last year, the time occupied with these in some districts extending to over six months, a result which is regarded as highly satisfactory and pleasing. Although not joined with tills association, yet your committee are glad to notice any record of an increased effort on the part of two Christian denominations—viz., the Anglican and Tresbyterian.-in affording week-day Uiblc instruction to the children of the public schools, and hope that, ere another year has terminated, that this effort, so needful, will have spread to other denominations. City mission visitation has been undertaken, but only to a small extent; operations in this direction being necessarily limited by the funds at disposal. Owing to the greatlyincreased work of the association, it was found needful to appoint an agent for fully carrying on its operations, and an offer of full-tiuio services for £50 per annum being made, was at once gratefully accepted by vour committee. Hearty thanks are tendered to ail who have in any way helped the association, and the committee would specially recognise the warm support granted by numerous friends and workers resident in country districts. To Messrs William McArthur and Co. the committee feel their warmest thanks are due, for continuing to deliver, free of all charge, their supplies of books from England. Special thanks are also now expressed to the committee cf the Keliirious Tract Society, London, for the freo grant of a parcel of useful books, to the value of £12. as also to Messrs. A. Clark and Sons, and Sargootl, Son, and Ewen, for the free transmission of book parcels within the colony, and to the owners of the Rotomahana, for a free passage to the Thames of the association's agent. With general prosperity around, and an ever-increasing field of usefulness, the committee confidently appeal to the public for a continued, and even increased support for the coming year: the admitted useful work sf the association being only limited by the amount of funds available to carry oil the work. The Treasurer read the balance-sheet, from which it appeared that the subscriptions for the year amounted to £339 5s 3d. The receipts from all sources, £353 Ss lOd. The balance in hand amounted to £1 Ss. A sum of £119 had been remitted to England for books. The assets consisted of books, £40 ; stationery, £10. The remainder of the balance-sheet related to details of grants made to schools, &c. Dr. Kexderdin'K moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. He thought the thanks of the society were due to the secretary. The young children under the present school system were regarded practically as heathens. The efforts of this society eontributed much to provide a remedy for an evil that was very widely felt. The meeting was rather thinly attended. That ■was iu some measure to be accounted for by the unfavourable weather. But if the friends of the society would continue to help it with their countenance aud support, their absence from the meeting might not be so greatly felt. Mr. G. W. Owes seconded the motion. He joined in an expression of thanks to the secretary to the society for the efforts he had made in so good a cause. He believed that every member of the society would feel thankful that the operations of the society were so extensive, and its results so successful.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted unanimously. The Rev. Mr. Morley delivered an address upon the good service which the society was doing. He could best describe its operations as "important, unobtrusive, and successful." Nothing could be more important than spreading the knowledge of God's word. Its uuobtrusiveness was perceived iu the quiet way in which it did its work. It did not court publicity. Personally he had a that the results of the operations of the society were in the best sense successful. He believed that there were in the provincial district a large number of children who were much better by being brought within the reach of this excellent society. He wished for it increasing prosperity. _ The Chairman said it was very encouraging to hear the testimon}- of the Rev. Mr. Morley as to the results which had been achieved by the society. The greatest credit was due to Mr. Rout for his zeal in this cause. That gentleman was apparently devoting his life to this cause. (Applause.) He might state that this sr'->'ety had no relation with the " Bible, in Schools Association." There might be members of one society connected with the other, but the Scriputre Gift Society had no relation with any other society, and confined its own labours entirely to its own proper objects of usefulness. Honokat; . Mi:mi:kks.—Mr. G. \Y. Onren moved tha ; : the following names be chosen as honorary ncviibers for three year? :—The Yen. Archdcnoii Maunsell, Rev. ''. Mason. Dr. Keuden'.iue, Messrs. J. C. Firth, F. Larking, Thomas Macfl'arlane, and J. L. Wilson. —Agreed to. Committee. —The following gentlemen were elected the committee for the ensuing y Car : —F. G. Ewington, A. Thome, C. Major, W. Rushbrook, J. Laugmore, S. Rout, and Mrs. Dr. Wallis. The Misses Brame and Miss Pitman performed musical and vocal selections during the proceedings. The proceedings concluded with the Benediction, pronounced by the Rev. AY. Morley.