BAPTIST WOMEN' MISSIONARY. UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2883, 23 June 1909, Page 43

BAPTIST WOMEN' MISSIONARY. UNION.

The annual meeting of the Baptist Women's Missionary Union, held in the Hanover Street Baptist Church on the 16th inst., was well attended. Mrs

D. Finlay, the local president, was in the chair. The annual report, read by Miss C. M'Kenzie, secretary, stated that during the year nine meetings had been held, the attendance averaging 19, an increase of eight over the previous year. The membership now. stood at 34, and there •were 19 boxholders. The Rev. R. S. Ciraof Christchurch, gave a recital on Ju!-

28, which realised £11 15s. and the annual sale of work held in August realised £23 15s lid. In addition to the sums named, the boxes, when opened, contained £11 15s. Much regret was felt at the resignation in February of Mrs Driver, the president, who, on account of ill-health, had been compelled to relinquish heir office. Mrs Driver had been president since the for-

mation of the union, and the society desired to record its high appreciation of her untiring efforts and labour of love on behalf of the mission, it being impossible to express what the mission owed to her enthusiasm. Mrs D. Finlay and Mrs A. S. Adams were unanimously appointed president and vice-pre«ident respeciivelv. Mrs Boyall and Mrs Ada.ms represented the union at the conference held

m Nelson, and at that meeting it was resolved that membership fees should be kept for working expenses, and should not be put into the missionary funds. Mrs Smeaton was appointed general president, and Miss Spedding general secretary. The union was indebted to Pastor W. Jlallis and Mrs Hooper, of the C.M.S., India, forinteresting addresses on India; also to

missionaries for letters keeping the union in touch with the work. Last month the union had the pleasure of welcoming Miss Gainsford, who was entertained by 66 ladies. Miss Gainsford spoke of her work in India, and they realised more than ever the need for whole-hcartedncss and earnest ness in prayer for India, and particularly on behalf of their stations. The balance sheet ac<»ompanying the re-

port , showed a credit balance of £9 Os 6d.

The report and balance sheet were adopted as read. It was resolved to write to the Rev. C. Dallaston, of Wellington, asking him to lecture on behalf of the funds of the union on some date in July. After consideration it was resolved, in

acoordanoe with a previous decision, to take up collections on behalf of the mission funds in August, instead of holding a sale of work. The object of the change, it was explained by the president, was to encourage direct giving. It was decided to recommend Mrs North as general president of the union, and to urge Miss Spedding to continue her highly-appreciated services as secretary.

The following office-bearers of the local branch were appointed for the ensuing year: — Mrs D. Finlay, president, (reelected) ; Mrs A. S. Adams, vice-presi-dent (re-elected) ; Miss 0. M'Kenzie, secretary (re-elected) ; Mrs Beekingsale, treasurer ( re-elected) ; committee — Mesdames Driver, Buchanan, Stewart, Davys, Adams, Misses Hill and Sligo.

Miss A. E. Henderson, Presbyterian missionary, now on furlough from the Madras Presidency, gave an interesting address on " Christian Missionary Work in the South of India," and concluded a comprehensive, but concise, review of missionary effort in that portion of the vast field by urging the necessity for more women missionaries and workers. Miss Henderson was cordially thanked for her address.

EFFECT OF THE REDUCTION VOTE IN THE SOUTH DUNEDIN DISTRICT: THE THREE HOTELS WHICH LOSE THEIR LICENSES.

THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE MRS G. P. DONNELLY AT NAPIER, ON JUNE 10.