THE FIRST HOLIDAY BIBLE SCHOOL IN NEW ZEALAND.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 392, 19 March 1928, Page 5

THE FIRST HOLIDAY BIBLE SCHOOL IN NEW ZEALAND.

(Hy Mrs Lee-Cowle). In Honolulu six years ago, a llo]idu> llible School was inaugurated, and proved such a success that other centres opened up, and now there are seventeen such schools operating throughout that lovely Island. On my recent visits 1 was asked to help at three or four of these Schools, and was so impressed by the beauty of the system, I began to dream dreams and see visions for New Zealand. The right woman was available, so as President of the Auckland Hand of Hope I nion, 1 secured Mrs E. A. Cooper to come and open up in Auckland. Our East Street Hall proved an ideal building, being airey and roomy, and right in the ci ntro of population. Prayer went up unceasingly for Hod's rich blessing to rest on the new venture, for wh knew the many difficulties in the way; such as summer heat, holiday sports, restless children, careless parents, the right kind of helpers, etc., but we have a Hod of the Impossible, so we cheerily pushed a ong and did our part, and truly, now we can say—He did His. We had a wonderful time. We began the day after the public schools closed, and gathered some twenty little children in from the stro»ts. Of course, they were absolutely raw material and needed .omc shaping out. but gradually they began to enjoy the School, and soon want* d afternoon sessions in addition to the hours in the morning—this was not possible, but the faithful attendance of teachers and scholars day afier day, proved how marvellously attractive the School became. Soon the attendance rose to sixty, and such diligent industrious children as they became, opened our eyes to the amazing potentialities of th ordinary street child. Remember, these were just samples of the children to be found in every part of every city and town; and what was done at this first School could be done Bii,t where. The first hour was given to singing. Bible stories, treasure hunts through the Pible, memorising and expression work. Then came flag drill, more singing and recreation. Last came hand craft. Such sawing, hammering, planing, and painting am :iu the boys. Such dainty needle-

work among the girls, with hammock making, waste paper baskets, bags and other things. The tiny tots industriously cut out animals enough for Noahs Arks, made clothes for dolls, etc., while learning the Bible most wonderfully, and the pretty action songs that charmed everyone on Closing Day. We will never forget January 26th, our Closing Day. Ixing tables displayed the camel*, dogs, cats, footstools, and varied other articles made by the boys. Other tables did great credit to the diligent little girls, while Hie tiny tots had u long table all to themselves. Parents and friends rolled up in great numbers, and all were amazed at the results of one month’s holiday work. Prizes of Bibles were given for Memory work. Books and large Wall Cards for conduct and regular attendance, and a feast of sweet things for every child. The Christian Flag Drill concluded one of the finest afternoons ever given hy little folk in our city. Mr Pain, Back-Blocks Missioner, had been lent by the Sunday School Pnion, and proved a tower of strength among the small carpenters. Rev. Wickham, Child Specialist from London, gave Object Lessons. The Missis McLay, Women's Christian Temperance I’nion Organisers, worked unflaggingly, while Mrs Andrews and Miss Adams with the tinies, and Mrs Far rand and Mrs Burrows with the Senior Cl iris, never once failed in their noble part. Other helpers came and went, glad to have any little share in the happy service, while visitors from Rotorua. Waihi, Palmerston North and other placid, eagerly took notes of this splendid system of capturing the young souls for Jesus. Mrs E. A. Cooper returned to Honolulu on the 14th February. She had the joy of starting the first Holiday Bible School there, and now has the honour of being our Pioneer for New Zealand. I am praying that in all parts of our Dominion rhe plan may be followed on Saturdays and holidays, and *'specially when next Christinas conies around, may hundreds of workers be standing ready saying, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do"? and then, “Whatsoever He saith unto you—DO IT”