PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE CLASSES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 52

PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE CLASSES.

OAMARU CONFERENCE A SUCCESS. OAMARU, December 26. The New Zealand Presbyterian Bible Class Union's thirteenth summer conference was opened to-night in St. Paul's Church, which was crowded. The Rev. J. Laweon Robinson (chairman of the local Arrangements Committee) presided, and gave an inspiring address of welcome to the delegates. "Welcome addresses were also given by the Von. Archdeacon Russell (president of the Oamaru Ministers' Association) and the Mayor (Mr W. H. Frith). The Moderator of the Assembly (the Rev. R. M. Ryburn) and the Rev. \V. T. Todd welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Presbyterian Church. The reading of greetings from members with the Expeditionary Forces was warmly applauded. The total number of delegates at the conference, which extends till next Tuesday, is over 700. January 1. The New Zealand Presbyterian Biblfe Class Hummer Conference, being held during Christinas and New Tear holidays, is proving one of the most successful since, the inauguration of the conference scheme. The total registrations reach 730. The weather was gloriously fine until yesterday, when drizzling rain came on, followed bysharp showers during the night. The Bible study classes held daily in the Municipal Gardens have been thoroughly appreciated. Mass meetings have been held each evenins-, and business meetings each day. Yesterday was special Conference Sunday, when .all meetings were largely attended. At a combined meeting held this afternoon it was announced that the venue of the next conference would be Napier. The delegates are comfortably housed —the men in the State schools and the women nt Waitaki G : rls' High School, whilst meals are served in the capacious Defence Hall. The meetings have been sandwiched in between sports meetings, and the opportunity for recreation has not been overlooked. Th» conference closes to-morrow.