BIBLE CLASS CAMP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 55, 11 April 1914, Page 14

BIBLE CLASS CAMP.

AT THE PAPAHUI DOMAIN. No more ideal spot for a big holiday camp than the Papanui Domain could well be desired. The Domain is roomy enough to accommodate a large number of campers, and also provides a fine sports ground.' It is also wellsheltered, being surrounded by high

trees. At present the Domain presents *.q-£ most picturesque appearance, being ' the scene of the annual Easter Camp of the Presbyterian Young Men's Bible Class Union. Ringed round with white tents and marquees, amongst which some 300 young men are continually bustling, the Domain looks both pleasant and busy. The camp was commenced yesterday morning, and was officially opened in the afternoon by the Mayor (Mr H. Holland)". There are altogether 300 men in camp, who have come from all parts of New Zealand. The Auckland

contingent alone numbers 41. The camp a record one, and the campers arc determined to make the occasion as pleasant and instructive as possible. ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The first meeting of delegates was held at 10 a.m. yesterday, when Mr J. Hay, of Christchurch, president of the tmion, welcomed the delegates to the Conference. He read greetings. from the Rev. W. M'Ara, Kaikoura, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, from

conferences of other Bible class men of other denominations at present in session in other centres of the Dominion, and from a number of prominent Bible class men who were not able to attend. The Wellington District Committee presented a report on the proposal to have a special hymn book suitable for Bible class work. The executive was asked to submit to the next Conference a list of hymns suitable for such a book. The proposal 6f the Otago Committee relative to the training of members for leadership was agreed to, and the report of the Hawke 's Bay Committee relative to the building up of class libraries, and the need for securing works of reference for the use of members was adopted. Suggestions made for the exchange of books between classes, were agreed to. THE OPENING CEREMONY.

In the afternoon Mr Holland extended a hearty welcome to the visi : tors on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch. His remarks are reported in another column. The Rev. D. D. Rodger, Moderator of the Christchureh Presbytery, in the course of a short address, emphasised the value of Bible class work. The basis of all Christian activity must be the study of the Bible. They had amongst them many of the best young men in the Dominion, who would in the future spread the Word of God through the world of business, sport, and society. Mr Burnett, of Auckland, thanked the Mayor and Moderator for their kindly welcome. Mr J. C. Hay, president of the union, who spoke of the influence of young men on public life, said that the measure of a man 's value was not years, but character and achievement. Faith and determination were essentials to success in Christian work. He appealed to all to give of their best to the service of Christ. Mr G. A. Troup, of St. John's, Wellington, the founder of the Bible Class "Union in the Dominion upon its present lines, addressed the gathering upon "Lines of Advance in Bible Class "Work." He urged that the Cross of ifcChrist was necessary: His Cross stood for sacrifice, and the members must

be prepared to make sacrifices of time, of money, and of strength. Leaders were necessary, and one-tenth of them all should be in training for that work. He urged advance upon the following lines:—

(1) Syllabus. Instead of miscellaneous' subjects, the syllabus should be framed to secure* connected Scripture study. (2) Bible and prayer circles should be formed outside of the class meetings and carried on with a determination which would secure success.

(3) Matters of importance should be referred to men rather than to committees. - , '

(4) Provision for bringing together all classes of men in the congregation for organised, aggressive, evangelistic work.

(5) A forward movement which would resolve itself into a determination on the part of each class member to secure another member for his class.

Mr F. Bi. Barton, travelling secretary, reported on the work in districts in which advance had been secured, stating that the work done was reflected in the lives of those who undertook it.

In the eyehing the Wellington District Committee presented the missions' report, showing a contribution of £506 15/4 to the mission funds of the union.

The Rev. G. H. M'Neur, the senior missionary of the Presbyterian Churdh of New Zealand at Canton, gave an interesting account of mission work in the Canton villages. The greetings of the union were sent to the Rev. H. Davies, who, with his

wife, is representing the union in the villages about Yun Woh, in the Canton district, of China. It was resolved that every effort should be made to increase the mission contribution of the union to £7ooper annum.