WAIMATE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18459, 28 December 1929, Page 18

WAIMATE.

FLOWER CULTURE. A collection of sweet peas exhibited by Mr E. D. Sanders at a recent rose and sweet pea display held by the Invercargill Garden Club, was shown in a leading florist’s window in Invercargill. and attracted considerable attention. Mr Sanders was successful in gaining three first prizes and a second award for his four entries, which the judge pronounced to be outI standing blooms. Mr Sanders also gained four first awards at the Waimate Rose Show held on December 11. GREAT GATHERING AT WAIMATE. PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE CLASSES. For a number of people in Waimate the all-absorbing topic for the past few months has been the annual Bible class summer conference of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, which this year was to be located in Waimate. A strong local committee spared no pains to ensure that the visitors would find a comfortable and happy home during the week of conference. Their preparation, both thorough and effective, deserves high praise. Their enthusiasm indeed was infectious, the goodwill of the Borough Council and other bodies being evidence of the general interest created. Thursday, the day of the opening, dawned clear and bright—a happy augury. Some hundreds sat down to a merry tea in the Drill Hall, the conference dining hall, and a crowded gathering met in the Olympia Hall for the public welcome. The Rev. W. F. Nichol, of the Waimate Presbyterian Church, the chairman of the conference, occupied the chair, and was accompanied on the platform by the executive of the local Committee, the main officers of the Bible Class Unions, Sunday School representatives, and the main speakers of the conference. “Jesus Shall Reign” and “Crown Him With Many Crowns” rang from over 600 voices, and after Scripture reading and a prayer offered by Rev. C. G. Wilcox, Mr Nichol extended a warm welcome to the delegates. He said that at first it was thought, that the conference might be too big perhaps for Waimate, but now it was felt that it would be accomplished successfully. In well chosen and inspiring words, he declared that youth had its contribution to make to the world of humanity to-day. He quoted Mr Lloyd George as havingsaid that “civilisation to-day stands tottering on the brink; at any time it may fall into the abyss.” Youth could offer idealism and faith. If these were based on Jesus Christ, then their contribution was to be a great one. Christianity often lacks vision. Indeed, it was not Christianity unless it looked out on the wide and needy world and sought to do something for it. The subject of the conference Bible study was entitled “The Field is the world." “Go ye and teach all nations” was the command of One who lived and suffered to redeem the world, and inspires something of a like passion in His followers. The Bible class movement could give them a real foothold for idealism and faith, and a vision of service. Canon P. J. Cocks, who followed, spoke on behalf of the churches of Waimate. He hoped that the conference would prove most useful, and that all would take away pleasant recollc. dons. Christianity, he said, had ta.ien for its challenge the whole world. It was entirely bound up with the Bible. It would be calamitous if there was no Bible. While there were more readers of the Bible in the past, there were more real Bible students to-day. The Bible was passing through critical times, but its essential value was undisputed. That it could make it possible for 600 or 700 to come together like this was a proof of that. The Mayor (Mr G. Dash), in voicing the welcome of the citizens of Waimate, said that the welcome was all the more hearty because the visitors were students of the Bible. Waimate was a town in which there were visible so many results of the faith of the pioneers. The civic spirit of Waimate people was outstanding. The civic authorities had long wished to make it possible for such a conference, and when the Church saw fit to send this gathering to Waimate, it, set its seal of approval on Waimate’s claims. Mr J. Bitchener, M.P. for Waitaki, speaking for the Waitaki electorate, said tnat he was pleased, as a “Member,” to be invited to a gathering of such a nature. He extended a hearty and cordial welcome, and expressed the hope that the week would prove an enjoyable and profitable time, and would be long remembered. He believed that there never had been before so many in the world seeking to serve their Master and their fellowmen. Replying to the welcome, the Rev. R. M. Ryburn (Director of Youth Work of the Presbyterian Church) said that he was sure all were gratified at the warm welcome extended to them. He ! said that the gathering was repre- • sentative of classes all over New Zealand, as far north as Whakapara. Hikurangi and Whangarei; and Southland and the West Coast had a number of delegates too. It also represented the Sunday School teachers of New Zealand and the Girls’ Auxiliary (missionary). pie regarded the summer conference as having a unique and vital place in the Church and its youth, creating a strong band of union between all its classes and departments. He felt that they could have i abundant faith in Waimate. because [ it had worked heart and soul as a I community to make the conference a i success. A bright and happv note was struck throughout the meeting, and

the gathering concluded with “Lift Up Your Heads” sung with inspiring and youthful abandon. On Friday the first part of the forenoon was occupied in arranging Bible study groups. Thereafter the whole conference was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Dickie, of the Knox Theological College, his subject being “Why Should We Study the Bible?—the Comparative Values of the Old and New Testaments.” The Young Women’s Bible Class Union continued their annual business session in the afternoon, which was otherwise free for recreation, and numerous motor excursions round the countryside. The first meeting of Study Circle leaders, taken by Rev. H. H. Barton, of Lawrence, was held after tea. The conference intercession* service was then held, followed by the main evening address by Rev. R.' M. Ryburn on “The Heart of the Old Testament." On Saturday, the Sunday School teachers and Bible Class leaders’ sectional meetings will commence, and the garden party ip the afternoon is expected to attract many interested friends. We venture to say that not a child in Waimate district will be without h toy for Christmas this year. We have stocked up a veritable arcade of doll, teddy bears, balls, paints, teasets, toybooks, prams, mechanical toys etc., at prices which for cheapness wt chal lenge competition.' Bring th( kiddies to W. A. Purvis. Queen Street and witness their delight--21 acres L.1.P.. carrying 15 cowi and 2 horses. Milking plant and all necessary gear. No better grazing land in the world. Price as going concern £I3OO. Forbes Wallace, Box 47, Waimate “A perfume spray. 'Just what I want for Xmas.” See B. A. Bryan’s Xmas windows for hundreds of novelties and exquisite toilet gifts, all priced as low as good gifts can be sold. B. A. Bryan chemist, Waimate. ’Phone Nos. 9 and 3 (two shops). A high grade tooth brush free to purchasers of goods to the value of £1 or over. A camera for Xmas to record your happy holidays for many years to come. B. A. Bryan’s gift camera display. B. A. Bryan, chemist, Waimate. From Paris. London and New York. :he choicest toilet gifts of the world's famous centres can be bought right here in Waimate. See the splendid new display at B. A. Bryan’s the chemist, ’phone Nos., 9 and 3 (two shops). We have probably the largest range in Waimate of exclusive Xnias gifts for “my ladye Fayre.” Parisian and English toiletries, perfuir.es. bath salts, compacts, brushware. lavender and choicest gifts that never fail to please B. A. Bryan, chemist. Waimate (two shops) ’phone Nos. 9 and 3.