MATAURA NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 25313, 17 June 1935, Page 3

MATAURA NEWS

DRUIDS LODGE. (From Our Correspondent.) There was a large attendance of members present at the fortnightly meeting of the Pride of Mataura Druids Lodge, P.A. Bro. A. Gourlay presiding and welcoming a large contingent oi brethren from Gore who had accompanied District President Bro. A. Redman, who was present for the purpose of installing the officers into their respective chairs; the ceremony being conducted in a very impressive manner. Subsequently an adjournment was made when a good attendance of the public was admitted for the fortnightly euchre tournament, the prizes being won by Miss Gordon and Mr R. English. Band of Hope. The annual meeting of the Mataura Band of Hope was held in the Presbyterian Church Sunday School on Friday evening when the Rev. David McNeur presided over a good attendance of members representing the various congregations in the town. In a few opening remarks the chairman expressed his pleasure at the splendid attendance despite the inclemency of the weather. The work of their organization had always been for the good and he trusted that in their going into the new year it would be for the good of the town and district, and a benefit to many young people in their midst. He concluded by wishing them a successful season. Prior to the commencement of the business, of the annual meeting, several hymns were sung and prayer was offered by Mr McNeur. In addition a recitation and a vocal item were given by Master lan McEwing and Lieut. Law respectively. An apology through indisposition was received and sustained from Mrs Maslin, secretary, and it was also decided that a letter of sympathy be sent to Mr Malcolm Cameron, a former secretary, on his illness. It was agreed to hold meetings on Friday evenings as formerly, the first Friday in th 6 month in the Oddfellows Hall. Th<j election of officers for the year resulted as follow: President, Pastor R. S. Hoffman; vice-presidents, Rev. D. McNeur and Messrs T. Richmond and C. R. Peck; secretary, Mr J. B. Irwin; treasurer, Mr L. E. Currie; pianistes, Miss M. C. Dickie and Mrs R. S. Hoffman; committee, Captain Packer, Messrs W.. McEwing, John McEwing, Lieut. Law, Mesdames Maslin and Collett, Misses A. Martien and M. Irwin. P.W.M.U. There was a gratifying attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Mataura branch of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union held in the church hall on Thursday afternoon, the Rev. D. McNeur presiding and opening the meeting with devotional exercises. The secretary, Mrs D. M. Lockhart, read the annual report which stated that there had been eight meetings held during the year each of which had been well attended. There are 27 members on the roll, an increase of four, with 46 subscribers to the Harvest Field and 239 members of Maori Birthday League. Owing to the low price offering no stamps were sent forward during the year. Egg collections for Cameron Home had enabled 92 dozen to be sent together with £1 8/- for Christmas cheer. The contents of mission boxes had been remitted to the budget fund. The committee expresses pleasure at the fact of being able to hear so many addresses from missionaries during the year, Mrs G. H. McNeur from Canton, the Rev. J. L. Gray, 8.A., from Jagadfyri, India, and Miss Violet Dunn, of Edendale, a granddaughter of Mrs Matthew Dickie, who has volunteered for work in Bolivia, all giving inspiring addresses on their respective work.’ In addition Mrs Beattie, of Gore, spoke on “Women’s Work in Missions and the Home.” Members of the branch journeyed to Tuturau in September and conducted the meeting there. Goods valued at £6 7/5 were forwarded during May to the Turakina Maori Girls’ College. Finally the committee humbly thanks God for the way He has led during the past and prays that the coming year will be greater for His service. Formally moving the adoption of the report Mr McNeur also gave a short address on “Cast thy burden” and pointed out the uncertainty of results in giving to missions, although the ultimate results were sure. What seemed economic waste was often the means of greatest gains in the religious sphere. The following officers were elected: President, Mrs D. McNeur; vice-pre-sident, Mrs F. N. R. Downard; secretary, Mrs D. M. Lockhart; treasurer, Mrs L. Scarlet; organist, Miss A. Currie; Maori League secretary, Mrs G. Big-

wood; Harvest Field secretary, Miss Mary Dickie; stamp secretary, Miss Jean Dickie. W.D.F.U. Ball. The spacious Horticultural Hall was packed with a gay assembly on Friday evening when the local W.D.F.U. held their annual ball and this function must be termed the most successful so far this dancing season locally. Most complete arrangements by an energetic committee headed by Mrs W. L. Scott had been finalized with the result that patrons and dancers alike derived the utmost enjoyment from the programme submitted. As is customary a set supper was served, the ladies again having been responsible for the providing thereof.