MISSIONARY UNION

Southland Times, Issue 20615, 13 October 1928, Page 8

MISSIONARY UNION

METHODIST WOMEN’S CONFERENCE. The third day of the Missionary Union Conference began with a communion service held in the Central Methodist Church, Leet street. The service, a most impressive one, was conducted by the Revs. A. McBean, S. Bailey and V. le C. Binet, of Solomon Islands. The day was spent chiefly in the reception of and discussion on various reports. The first was that of the organizer of the box department and medical work. Boxes have been received from all bands of women throughout New Zealand, and despatched to Solomon Islands and the Maori field. This department has handled hundreds of pounds worth of goods, quite apart from medical supplies which are sent to the sisters and doctor for work on the field. Mrs Smethurst was thanked for her invaluable work as organizer of this branch and was unanimously re-elected to the position for the ensuing year. After the luncheon adjournment reports from each sister supported on the Solomon Islands field by the M.W.M.U. were read. The conference was fortunate in having two sisters on furlough. Sister Lily White first gave an interesting account of her work on the islands of Choiseul, while Sister Jean Dalziel very charmingly told of her endeavours to bring the joy of living to the girls and boys of those isles. Next year is to be the special year for foreign mission effort, so the M.W.M.U. has decided that the project of immediately opening a Maori Girls’ School must be postponed to a later date. A pleasing diversion closed the afternoon session when Mrs Hill, of Wellington, expressed pleasure and satisfaction at the wonderful manner in which Mesdames Pacey and Hodder had controlled the conference, and asked their acceptance each of a quainty conceived posy of primulas and carnations. Each lady graciously responded. A short evening session was required to conclude certain discussions which had arisen during the day. Interesting information came to hand from Dunedin. There a returned soldier, interested in Dr. Clifford James and his work, has organized an Army Service Corps—a band of men who have pledged themselves to aid the doctor with equipment. A Christchurch doctor is providing him with all necessary instruments to commence his work. The conference hopes that men in other centres will be fired with a similar enthusiasm towards helping medical missionaries in theijr work. The conference closed with a comprehensive vote of thanks and all hostesses, those who entertained them with music and afternoon tea each day; to the local auxiliary for its kindness in providing such comforts in the hall, to the Press for its generous support in giving publicity to the work done, and last but not least to the Rev. and Mrs Mcßean for many kindnesses shown. This has been numerically a smaller conference than many others, but the spirit prevailing and the atmosphere reigning have made it one of the most enjoyable that has been held.