PRESBYTERIANS CONFER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 548, 28 December 1928, Page 14

PRESBYTERIANS CONFER

DELEGATES AT HAMILTON VISITORS FROM ALL PARTS (From Our Own Correspondent) HAMILTON, Thursday. The summer conference of the New Zealand Presbyterian Bible Class Union opened at Hamilton to-day. It will last a week, and will include devotional meetin&s, special addresses, and an excursion to Rotorua. Already over 800 delegates from all parts of New Zealand are in attendance, there being a specially strong representation from the South Island. It is expected that fully 1,000 will be present on Saturday. A civic welcome was accorded the delegates this evening by the DeputyMayor, Mr. J. Gilbert. There were over 1,000 present, and an inspiring service Mas conducted by the Rev. H. G. Gilbert. In welcoming the visitors on behalf of the local Presbyterians, Mr. Gilbert referred to the object of the Bible Class movement. He said there was a necessity to exercise the mind in spreading truth and knowledge. The latest report showed that 700 teachers had •ome from the Bible classes. Speaking as' Deputy-Mayor, Mr. J. Gilbert said the borough council would do its utmost to make the visitors welcome. As the representative of the Hamilton Ministers' Association, the Rev. Percy Paris delivered an address of welcome, and a speech of welcome was also made by the secretary of the conference. Rev. Lawrence Rogers. Messages indicating interest in the success of the conference were received from the moderator, and the president of the Ashburton camp, Rev. A. Urban. 2 A reply on behalf of those taking part in the conference was made by the Rev. R. M. Ryburn.