DUNEDIN CITY MISSION

Otago Witness, Issue 3291, 11 April 1917, Page 22

DUNEDIN CITY MISSION

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING

The Duncdin City Mission on the 28tli " came of age,'' and celebrated the close of 21 years of useful work at its annua] meeting in the City Council Chambers. Thepresident (Mr Li. M. Thomson) presided over a large a! tendance. The Chairman, in moving Ihe adoption of the annual report, referred to the formation of the mission at a meeting at Knox Church. Through the close co-opocation of the various workers practically the whole field in the city was now covered. _ The mission was in a very comfortable position, for it was the only association ho knew that hardly evsr needed to go outside and ask people for money. Even at the present tune special appeals were not necessary. A work that Mr Wright had made specially his own was his B:ble classes in the schools. His work was a distinct recognition in the community of the importance and necessity of having the Bible taught in the schools. The work had gone on during the past year as before, and though the service at Pelichet Bay had been discontinued that "was only on account of the physical difficulty of carrying it on. He hoped that it would be reinstated He ief erred briefly to the passing away of Messrs W. E. Sessions and J. Braithwaitc. The Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark), in seconding the motion, said that Dunedin was particularly fortunate in the very large number of organisations that existed for the social welfare and uplifting of the community. Tin's was largely due to the magnificent spirit of the old pioneers of the city. Not least among the organisations for the wel-, fare of the city must be classed the City Mission. Particularly gratifying was the splendid work done by Mr Wright in the schools.—(Applause.) He congratulated Mr Wright on the fact that he had now completed 43 years of mission work in the city. Mr E. Eosevear, who lias been treasurer of the mission during the past 20 years, submitted a financial statement showing that the year had commenced with a credit balance of £24- Os 10d, and ended with a credit of £2l Is 3d.

Mr M. Cohen congratulated the society on attaining its majority, and testified to the value of Mr Wright's Bible class work in the schools—a work with which he came in almost daily contact The motion was adopted.

The Rev. E. A. Axelsen moved the following resolution : —" That this public meeting of subscribers and friends of the Dunedin "City Mission express deepest sympathy with and warm approval ol the home mission efforts of Mr Duncan Wright, and once more commend him and his work to the kindly good feeling of all interested persons." Mr Axelsen added his tribute to the excellent work carried on by Mr Wright. Mr W. T. Talboys seconded the motion, which was carried. The Rev. S. Jenkin moved—' That this mission record its best thanks to the many friends and helpers of the Dunedin City Mission who have in many ways_ assisted the missionary and strengthened his hands, and especially thank those who, during the past 2*l years, have so generously contributed to the funds of the mission."

Mr W. C. Allnutt seconded the resolution, and said that in the matter of doing good Dunedin seemed to him to be well catered for. The man who could win the confidence and affection of children as Mr Wright did must have some admirable qualities. The motion was adopted.

The following officers v.-ero elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr G. M. Thomson: vice-presidents, Messrs E. Aslin and W. T. Talboys; commfttee —Messrs J. A D Adams. J. B. Shaddock. J. Barnes, W J. T.ove. .F. H. Wilkinson. Peter Barr, P. L Clark. David Leslie, pne] Hush Mitchell; hon. treasurer. Mr E. Roscvear; auditor, Mr Hugh Mitchell; secretary. Mr Duncan Wright. A vote of thanks was accorded the press for assistance eiven. The Rev. V. G. R. King, on behalf of philanthropic agencies in < the city, pressed their ' sympathy Tvith Mr Wright and their hearty congratulations on the work he had accomplished.