WOMEN’S MISSIONARY UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19623, 29 October 1925, Page 3

WOMEN’S MISSIONARY UNION.

METHODIST CONFERENCE. The eleventh Methodist Women’s Missionary Union Conference met in Trinity Church yesterday morning, the delegates numbering 38. Mrs G. Bowron, of Christchurch, led the devotional meeting, after which the roll was called. Eighteen auxiliaries responded. Mrs Stevens, dominion president, welcomed the members. Mrs Bert Smith was elected minute secretary. Routine work was done, and a fine report from the box organiser was presented by Miss Carr, secretary of the union. This was fully discussed. Sister May Barnett, from the Solomon Islands, and Sister Eleanor Bobby, deaconess to the Maoris, were present. The delegates adjourned on the kind invitation of Mr W. Duke to “Sherwood” for lunch, where a very happy time was spent. The afternoon session opened at 2.30. Greetings were received from other churches. Rev. 11. Eelhouse, superintendent minister, welcomed to Dunedin Sister May Barnett, then gave a most interesting address on educational work in the Solomon Islands. Some curios and photos on view gave an added interest to the meeting. The work done on the islands by converted native lads was eulogised, and one case was cited showing that their work was as effective as is that of the trained teachers. In another case a statement was made to the effect that they are apt scholars in dealing with the “wireless” work. They adapt themselves to sawmilling and engineering. The work being done for the women was stressed, and proved 'most interesting. The heathen condition of slavery was slowly giving place to a state of emancipation, which invariably follows the Gospel. Sisters’ homes on various islands had been opened for the training of the native girls in nursing, sewing, and codking. Very neat specimens of drawing, writing, sewing, arithmetic, and mat plaiting were on exhibition. In many places the. missionary was still kept out, but native hearts were responding to love and kindness from the missionary worker. A vote of thanks to Sister May Barnett for the fine work which she is doing was carried by acclamation. An appreciation of the good work being ■done by Mesdames Metcalfe and Bensley and Sister MacMillan on the field while sisters are away on deputation work was also passed. , The session continued last night, when members assembled in the schoolroom, where they were welcomed to a very enjoyable social evening.