BIBLE SOCIETY.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19633, 20 July 1935, Page 10

BIBLE SOCIETY.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. ANNUAL GATHERINGS. Widespread Interest was aroused by the annual town 'branch meetings of the British and ;Foreign Bible Society held in Hamilton last week, when those who gathered had the privilege of meeting Mr and Mrs C. H. Barton, of the Sudan Interior 'Mission, Abyssinian section, who were present each afternoon. The Hamilton West branch was welcomed by Mrs Howden at her home, Hamilton East, at the parsonage, with Mrs Dennis as hostess. The large gathering of the Whitiora branch met at the Y.M.C.A.,- with Mrs Trevena, Mrs Irvine, Mrs Dempster, and helpers as hostesses. Claudelands, at the home of Mrs W. Fraser and entertained by Mrs W. Clark and Mrs Fraser, while the Frankton branch, attended by nearly 40 ladies, enjoyed Mrs Andrew’s hospitality. Each hostess was assisted by willing helpers. Work in Abyssinia. Wearing picturesque Abyssinian robes Mr and Mrs Barton displayed to advantage these fascinating and unique garments, and in most awakening and able addresses Mr Barton vividly brought life and conditions in that ancient land before his audiences. Abyssinia is the only independent state in Africa, ■he stated, and over three times the size of New Zealand, with a population of 10 to 12 million. The mission station where Mr and Mrs Barton live is four days’ journey from the capital (Addis Abbaba) and here they are seeing much fruit as the result of their live years of labour. In 'this land of intense darkness they are "declaring among the heathen that the Lord is King,” and that land mentioned in Scripture as destined for blessing is trutly "stretching out her hands.”

In describing the condition of the women, many of whom are very beautiful, it was stated that an old woman is rarely seen, while three out of every four babies die before two months of age.

As a sinister reminder of bygone days Mr Barton showed a spearhead commonly carried by the men, and told how he had frequently helped to bind up wounds inflicted upon women. But this .implement of treachery and death is now being exchanged for one of life, the Bible. The copy of the New Testament Mr Barton had on view and from which Mrs Barton and he had learnt to read the language, which consists of 288 characters, cost three shillings to produce, but through the aid of the Bible Society it was bought at Bd. Although the usual wage in Abyssinia is 14d to 2d a day, many of the people were gladly purchasing the book and these erstwhile- heathens made good progress Tn the study of the Scriptures, as was proved by many Interesting illustrations. “ This great change,” said Mr Barton, "can be traced to the efforts of all who are actively interested in the work of the Bible Society.” Mr Barton mentioned the Bible house in Addis Abbaba, the headquarters of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Abyssinia. Royal Letter of Greeting. Here Air Barton is in charge, and with a staff of colporteurs, circulates many thousands of the Scriptures annually. Before Air Barton left Abyssinia on his last furlough he went to the palace by Royal command to receive from the hands of the Emperor a letter of greeting to the Bible Society assembled in its annual meeting in London.

In giving- brief facts of the world work of the Bible Society, the organising secretary, Miss Ilenry, stated that last year 14 new languages were-trans-lated, making a total of 692 languages, into which some portion of the Scriptures had been translated, and the circulation 10,970,609 volumes, which was an increase over the previous year. The -circulation of Scriptures In English in the British Isles was 853,000 last year, and in New Zealand 23,000.

At the conclusion of the gatherings votes of thanks were passed to the hostesses for the delicious afternoon teas served.