“SOWING THE SEED”

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10513, 7 April 1927, Page 5

“SOWING THE SEED”

ELECTION OF OFFICERS AIRS PORTER’S ADDRESS. The annual meeting of the Pahiatua branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held on Tuesday afternoon, in the Presbyterian schoolroom. The Mayoress (Mrs J. D. C. Crewe) presided over a good attendance, and introduced Airs Porter (organising secretai'y for Wellington area), who. congratulated all upon the fine record of tlieir work, stating that 1926 had been a record year of the Bible Society in New Zealand. Tlie speaker stressed the missionary side of the work and gave various testimonies to the services of the Society from eminent men. The Bishop of Salisbury had said: “It is not too much to say that without the help of the British and Foreign Biblo Society missionary work would be almost impossible. A missionary of the African Inland Alission writes: “Our debt to the British and Foreign Bible Society, in common with all missionary societies, for this special ministry of broadcasting the Word of God in tlie Vernacular cannot lie over-estimated.” The Bishop of Tasmania had said: “The Bible Society is the greatest missionary society in the world to-day.” The work of the colporteur and translator was also mentioned. The Bible Society employed 1002 colporteurs last year and they bad sold over 0.000,000 copies of the Scriptures. The Society closed its accounts in London with a deficit of £34.000 because of the great increase in the output of copies of Scriptures, an increase of nearly 2,000,000 volumes in three years. The staff of colporteurs had been greatly increased, as well as the oc-st. of living, wages, and travelling expenses. The London repqft was quoted as saying: “What we wish our friends to understand clearly is the deficit of £34,000 for the world is not a sign of failure, but a sign of success, it has happened because of the increased demand for God’s Word, and that is something to rejoice about.” Airs F. AlacDonald, in moving a vote of thanks to the speaker, spoke warmly of the great value of the Word of God, mentioning remarkable instances of the great desire of those in heathen countries to obtain copies, also of the value the Bible was to its readers in their daily lives.

Election of officers: Airs H. Paterson was re-elected president; Aliss Hewat, secretary; and Alesdames Crewe, Tylee, AlacDonald, Fenwick, and Foston, vice-presidents. A general committee was formed, consisting of the officers and collectors. Very great pleasure was expressed at the presence of Airs Paterson, who has been ill. A glowing tribute was paid both Airs Paterson Aliss Hewat for their six years’ work as officers of the branch. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Alayoress for presiding, also to the managers of the Presbyterian Church, for the use of the room. Airs Porter expressed very hearty appreciation of the great help at all times and the practical sympathy evinced by the editor of the Pahiatua Herald. Afternoon tea was dispensed at the close, and greatly appreciated by all present. The annual appeal is to commence immediately.