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AUCKLAND BAPTIST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.

NORTHERN MISSION WORK. The annual meeting of the Auckland Baptist District Association was held in the Auckland Tabernacle yesterday. The proceedings opened at half-past four p.m., when a conference of delegates was held. There was a large attendance. Mr. S. Matthews presiding. After devotional exercises, and the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed, the missionary's and committee's reports, relative to the gumdiggers' mission in the North, were considered. The report of the committee for the past year was read by Mr. B. Reeves, and was of a most interesting nature, dealing fully with all branches of the work. The report stated that good results had been attained on the mission field in the North, and that the committee were desirous of extending the work in other districts. The rapidity of increasing settlement in the north to a great degree had facilitated the proclamation of the gospel, though the gum crisis had of late somewhat interfered with their mission work, as a large number of gumdiggers had left the Whangarei district to seek more remuneration employment. The committee pointed out that this was the greatest difficulty they had to contend with, as it was hard for them to minister to a floating population. During the past uine months the district has been in charge of Mr. Long, who has been doing a splendid work in the northern parts of Whangarei. His work had been arduous and taxing in the extreme, calling for Hi his energy, perseverance, patience, and zeal. The distance travelled by the missioner in the period indicated, had been considerably over 2000 miles, or at. the rate of from 60 to 70 miles per week, and 120 services had been held, and the average attendance had been 30. Several Sunday-schools had been established by Mr. Long, which were now being carried on by the settlers themselves. The executive had exercised considerable care so as to prevent overlapping. With the exception of occasional visits from Mr. S. Field the districts that Mr. Long traversed were wholly engaged by him. In February last Pastor Blaikie had made a tour of inspection in the districts, and ho reported that excellent results were being obtained. Many letters had been received from residents in the North, bearing witness to the utility of the mission and expressing the hope that it would be long continued. In concluding the report the committee commended the important work of evangelisation to the earnest prayer and support of the churches. On the motion of Mr. Shalders, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Collins, the report of the committee was adopted. An exhaustive report was also read from Mr. T. Long, in which he gave an account

lof his experiences on the mission field, I and the many kindnesses he received from the residents of the outlying districts. The Secretary also read a' number of letters from settlers in the district, testifying to the excellent work that was being accomplished, and requesting that he might be kept in the district. It was decided to keep Mr. Long on the mission field in the North. On the motion of Mr. Garlick, it was resolved " That the Association should forward a communication to Mr. Long, expressing pleasure at the good results of his mission." The balance-sheet for the year was submitted by Mr. J. T. Garlick, the treasurer. It stated that the total receipts had been £138 6s 6d, and the expenditure £142 7s sd, leaving a balance due to the treasurer of £4 Os lid. The subscriptions and donations during the year amounted to £98 5s 3d, and cash derived from the sale of books, £33 3s 7d. The contribution from the mission held had only been £4 16s 4d. The liabilities at present" amounted to £28 19s Id, and the assets £26 3s Bd, leaving a balance debit of £2 15s sd. The report was adopted. The Rev. Collins said that a more satisfactory way of raising funds should be thought of, so that the mission could know what their income was to be. He suggested that each churcli should charge itself with a certain amount, and come what may pay that amount. Pastor Blaikie thought the 'suggestion of the Rev. Collins would not answer, as it very often happened that there were circumstances that prevented a church from contributing towards the mission. After further discussion the matter was allowed to drop. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with, and resulted as follows :—President, Pastor Blaikie; vicepresident, Rev. Collins; secretary, Mr. R. Reeves; treasurer, Mr. J. T. Garlick ; committee j—Messrs. J. Renshaw, J. Penman, R Wooton, S. Matthews, and J. H. Hen derson.

An adjournment was then made for tea, which had thoughtfully been prepared for the delegates by Mr. and Mrs. Garlick. At half-past seven a public meeting was held, the chair being taken by Mr. W. H. Smith. There was a full attendance. The reports of the Gumdiggers Mission were again read and discussed. The Chairman expressed pleasure at the good results achieved by Mr. Long, and hoped that the Auckland churches would continue their support. On the motion of Pastor Blaikie, the following resolution was unanimously adopted, "That this meeting having heard the report of the Gumdiggers Mission, express its pleasure at the progress of the work, and promise of future usefulness, and pledges to do all in its power to further its aims."

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18940427.2.12

Bibliographic details

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9496, 27 April 1894, Page 3

Word Count
907

AUCKLAND BAPTIST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9496, 27 April 1894, Page 3

AUCKLAND BAPTIST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9496, 27 April 1894, Page 3