BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12698, 28 October 1904, Page 7

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

'.';./. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Auckland auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held in the Tabernacle last evening. '■ There was a representative gathering of about 100 people. Mr. Richard Hobbs occupied the chair.

The Chairman said he felt it an honour to take part in any department of work connected with the society.' Mi: Hobbs went on to refer to the ■wonderful work accomplished by the society during the last hundred years, and to the success attending the efforts of the society's workers in establishing tho Bible in all countries. Out of 250,000 guineas required for a thank-offering fund, the troasurcr in London had received : £190,000, and the .chairman hoped the balance would be subscribed by March next, when the accounts closed. He made mention of the crusade for Bible-reading . in schools, Hud from a 40 years' experience of the undenominational system of education he was not. in favour of the Innovation unless a conscience clause was introduced and suitable arrangements made for the teaching. At the same time he looked upon it as •' firing • off blank cartridges if the Bible was neglected in the home. In his opinion, the results iram teaching the Bible in sohools would be very poor if the' Bible was not also taught in the home. Mr. Brakenrig (hon. secretary) read the annual report. Reference was made to the crowded, en-thur-iastic, and profoundly impressive gatherings held in commemoration of the centenary of the society ail over tho world, and especially to the local celebrations, the public meeting being largely attended, and Interested congregations being: present at tho churches on Bible Sunday, when special sermons were delivered. The issuing last year of 5,697,331 copies of Scriptures, Including more than 1,000,000 complete Bibles, was stated to be the largest annual total registered. The latest , information from the parent society in regard to the thanks-offering fund stated that £190,000 had been subscribed out of a sum of 250,000 guineas. The Auckland district had contributed £444 out of the £800 allotted to the district, leaving a sum of £83 to be subscribed. During the year ending June the sales at tho local depot were 3271 . copies of Scriptures in all languages, including 323 copies In Maori and 250 copies la Tongan. Tim sales showed an increase of i! 93 copies on the previous year. Grants of 188 free copies had been made. Reference was made to Mr. H. J, fetlmiston visiting England to Interview the secretary of the London Bible House in matters affecting the local branch, such as financial aid for colportage work, grants of Maori Scriptures, and other important questions. Mr. Edmiston was expected to return next month, ami a meeting of the committee would be held to receive his report. Regret was expressed at the recent death of Mr. F. «Battley, who had always taken a deep and practical interest in the auxiliary. The lady ealleotors were thanked for faithfully carrying out; their duties, and & plea was made for additional workers. He.irty thanks were tendered to all who assisted in the work of the centenary year, to tho subscribers to the centenary and annual funds, and to all friends who had rendered assistance.

Mr. P. L. Prime (treasurer) submitted the annual balance-sheet. Receipts were reported to amount to £348, I.ls 8d and expenditure £810 8s 2d. Contributions to the centenary fund were stated to be £458 Ha 3d, the sale of Bibles realised £210 14s, and collections £100 18s.

Mr. W. F. Harrop moved that the report and balance-sheet be adopted, printed, ami circulated, and that the officers and committee of this auxiliary and all the tranches be thanked for their services during the past year; that the lady collectors and all who have kindly assisted in work for the society be also thanked for their valuable assistance

The Rev. sir. Walker seconded and the motion was agreed to.. The officers elected for the ensuing year were as follows:—-President, the Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Keligan); hon. secretary emeritus, the Rev. H. H. Lawry; hon. secretaries, Messrs. W. Brazenrig and H. J. Edmiston; hon. treasurer, Mr. F. L. Prime; depositary, Mr. H. J. Edmiston; general committee, the Vec. Archdeacon Colder, Canons G. Mac Murray and O. M. Nelson, the Revs. A. North, W. Day, G. Smailes, R. Hall, R. P. Macnicol, J. A. Luxford, T. P. Robertson, H. B. Gray, J. M. Froser, J. Wilkins, J. Bennir.ig, H. L. Walker, J. J. Lewis, Dr. A. O. Knight, Messrs. T. Jackson, M.A., P. Bodle, T. Buddie, W. Mains, P. E. Cheal, J. Edson, D. Goldie, C. W. Hemery, 8. W. McCaulay, W. H. Lyon, S. H. Matthews, ■ and T. Peacock; executive committee, the Revs. G. Mannsell, C. H. Garland, W. Gray Dixon, M.A., W. K. Gillam, M.A., W. dittos, J. Clark, Messrs. C. B. Button, B. Hobbs, G. Cartor, E. B. Shalders, H. M. Smceton, W. H. Smith, and W. P. Harrop. On the motion of Mr. A. H. Conway, China missioner, a resolution was carried expressing grateful praise and thanksgiving to God for the great measure of success accorded the society laths past, and the prosperity of tho Auckland auxiliary,' and hoping for a continuance of the blessing daring the current year. Mr. Conway also gave bis experiences in establishing the Bible in Central China, and appealed for greater assistance in furthering the mission work in that country. The Rev. J. B. Russell, in seconding the motion, referred to the extraordinary vitality of the word of God, as evidenced by the "extensive operations of the Bible Society. The Rev. M. Kirwood also gave a brief address.