--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 22 number: 4 published: 1919-02 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Editors’ Table: The Return of the 145th Field Artillery," *Improvement Era* 22, no. 4 (February 1919): 348–360.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2204unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2204unse start_page: 348 end_page: 360 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1919-02) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2204unse publication_year: 1919 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1919, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editors’ Table: The Return of the 145th Field Artillery The Return of the 145th Field Artillery The boys of the 145th Field Artillery (1st Utah) arrived in Ogden, January 17, and at 1:30 p. m. of the same day, arrived at Logan for demobilization at the Utah Agricultural College. Thousands, both at Ogden and Logan, from all parts of the state, were present to greet them, and their reception was a splendid tribute from the people in every respect. Their welcome home is echoed from the lips of hundreds of thousands, and in which the Era joins. When the boys were just ready to enter the fray in France, the armistice was signed. In a few more days they would have been in the thick of the fight. They were amply competent for the conflict. No other unit was better prepared than the 145th. The boys, too, were anxious to make good, and deeply disappointed, after all their preparation, that no opportunity was granted them. Many that had been transferred into other regiments from time to time, however, saw action on the front, and a number were killed. But all offered their lives, and were ready to sacrifice them for the liberty of the nations and the cause of righteousness. No more could be required. But they all did their full duty, and deserve every credit of heroes, and the best that the people can give. True, the returning men have not been privileged to brave the firing line, but loyally — they have gone through what is quite as difficult every hardship of the training camp in many months of incessant toil; endured the anxiety and uncertainty of crossing the waters infested with murderous German U-boats; withstood a scourge of pestilence; and they have intensely prepared in France, behind the lines, to take their part at call at the hottest battle front, ready for efficient action, awaiting only the word of command. The men joined the regiment with good moral and health — records these were maintained throughout their service. On arrival at Ogden in the early morning of January 17, there was not a sick man among the 1,101 men and 44 officers in the troop, sickness throughout having been held at a minimum, according to Major Willard Christopherson of the medical department. While in Camp De Souge, France, they suffered, with nearly all other troops, from influenza, but out of 580 cases, only thirteen — men were lost the 145th holding and maintaining the lowest sick report in the entire 40th division. EDITORS' TABLE 349 The 145th left Utah, after several months' training at Fort Douglas, for Camp Kearny, October 10, 1917 ; left Camp Kearny, August 2, 1918, sailed from New York, August 16, landing in Liverpool September 2, whence they sailed for France, encamping in De Souge, Bordeaux. Here they underwent intensive training until early November. They left Bordeaux on their return to the United States on December 24, arrived at Camp Merritt, N. J., January 5, 1919, and after a week's stay, returned to Utah, January 17. The six batteries and their officers occupied three trains, with a total of 37 cars. Their reception at Ogden was as glad as the boys were pleased to be home. It was a pleasure to hear their commendations and to know of the love and admiration the boys expressed and felt for General R. W. Young, Colonel Webb, Captain Foster,and others, and for Chaplain B. H. Roberts who lived, worked and endured with them, caring for their physical wants, and providing spiritual comfort besides. Governor Bamberger and staff were present, and bade them welcome. Col. Webb said to the Governor's welcome: "Thank you, Governor, it is a pleasure to be back." He is also quoted as saying: "We are very glad to get back. Our regiment would have done anything they would have required of us. No more soldierlv, all-round decent bunch of men were ever gotten together than the 145th field artillery. There hasn't been a thing required of them, it makes no difference how difficult the task was, that they didn't do it with all the vim that it was possible for men to put into it." Some thirty-four officers and men from the regiment were assigned to stay in France. At Logan the returning troops were reviewed by the Governor and his staff. They paraded, and demonstrated with gas masks, being received by the populace with immense enthusiasm. Every convenience had been provided at the Agricultural College for the demobilization, and their quarters were pronounced the best they had ever occupied. On Monday, 20th, the demobilization began, and it was believed that in the course of four or five days the boys would be more to greet their loved ones. The famous in theirhomes once will then pass out of existence, except in history. organization 9 and sympathy are expressed tor In this connection, sorrow the parents and loved ones to whom the soldier boys that lett will not return, of whom it was required that the supreme sacri- cause of freedom. fice should be made for the Now that the boys have come back we must not only make them for their courage in offer- it plain to them that we honor the salvation of civilization and the cause ot ing their lives for to provide occupation for freedom, but that we are willing also of the First Presidency to presiding them The following letter 350 IMPROVEMENT ERA authorities of the Church is therefore pertinent, and of first importance : In the Interest of Returning Soldiers Office of the First Presidency, Salt Lake City, Utah. To the Presidents of Stake and Counselors, High Councilors and Bishops of Wards 'and Counselors: — Dear Brethren: Our boys who are now returning from army life should be given special attention. They have performed a most magnificent work, and have freely offered their lives on their country's altar for us and for humanity everywhere. As they come home many of them find themselves without occupation or the means of making a comfortable livelihood. We, therefore, urge upon the presidencies of stakes, high counselors and bishops and counselors to give these returned soldier boys their special attention. They should be visited at once and the condition of their affairs looked into with a view of trying to help them to secure work where they are out of work, or to get them started on their small holdings in the country settlements. We must look after these boys. Naturally, they will return to the localities they formerly resided in, and they should be encouraged wherever it is possible, to try to secure a small piece of land and establish a home. They should not be allowed to drift to the larger cities. The cities are already crowded. We can do a great deal to help them, if we only make a business of doing it. Visit them, preach the gospel to them, and in every way encourage them in all that makes for good citizenship and an independent life. Then there are the families of those who will never come back. Those boys who have made the supreme sacrifice and given their lives on the battle field or otherwise in the service of their country. These families before all others should be given our kindest attention. They must not be allowed to suffer for the necessaries of life. Heber J. Grant, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, First Presidency. Utah in the 91st Division Because the 145th Field Artillery was the largest single unit from Utah and surroundings that went overseas as a unit - and so came back, it has occupied much attention all of — EDITORS' TABLE 351 which is doubly merited. But we must not forget that other thousands of our boys went out in other companies, some of whom were called upon to face dangers that, were denied the 145th. Many noble heroes laid down their lives in the 91st division, on the battlefields of France and Flanders. Among these were the boys who went to Camp Lewis for training in the contingents leaving Utah, Idaho, and other western states, in September and following months, in 1917, who became members particularly of the 362nd infantry and other organizations, of the 91st division, which arrived in Europe in July, 1918, and went to the front in France and Belgium, at various points in September following. Chaplain Calvin S. Smith, who was with the boys, was wounded twice, and distinguished himself in the field by his heroic deeds. Major General William H. Johnston, in command, in a letter to Governor Bamberger, speaking of the valor and work of the 91st division as an organization, says in appreciation of Utah's work the people of the "It gives me pleasure to assure you, and through you state havecontributed towards the state of Utah, that representatives of that since it was called to creditable record established by the 91st division participate in the recent advance of the armies of the United States and the Allies Your citizen soldiers, after one year's training, did not hesitate to the Meuse-Argonne oftenattack veteran divisions of the Prussian guard in give before the general retreat of the enemy began. They continued to attack until withdrawn by the corps commander to rest and replace cas- Belgium "The same spirit animated them when they advanced through tc expel the invader. I feel sure the same courage and efficiency will characterize their service in the future, should any orders require action. to resume the pursuits ot "Finally. I believe that all when discharged the state of Utah because of their peace, will be more valuable citizens of towards the restoration of peace service in the army and their contribution throughout the world." General H. Penet, commanding the Thirtieth army corps (French), in a letter to Major General Johnston, says he does "want to part with the 91st infantry division without ex- not units, all his appre- pressing to its chief, its officers, its splendid ciation of the fine military qualities they have shown during the length of their attachment to the corps." General Massenet, commanding the Seventh army corps his compliments to the 91st division, in a (French), is effusive in special order. He says in part : the 91st American division "Transported from the Argonne to Flanders, after its arrival. has again been thrown into the battle, a few hours commander, Major General John- "Under the energetic influence of its division reached all its objectives on the 31st of ston the 91st American November, with remarkable dash and energy. October and 1st of enemy, in spite of the resistance of the "In spfte of the determined 352 IMPROVEMENT ERA artilleryand machine gun fire which opposed them, the troops of the 91st American division captured Spitaals Bosschen by a clever flanking movement, reached the Scheldt and penetrated in to the town of Audenarde, from now onwards delivered from the yoke of the invader." Major General George H. Cameron, commanding the Fifth army corps (United States) gives splendid credit to the 91st, in his relief order transmitted to Major General Johnston, Oct. 3, as follows in part: "Under orders from First army, the 91st division will be relieved from the front line tonight and placed in corps reserve. "The corps commander wishes you to understand that this relief results solely from a realization by higher command that your division has done its full share in the recent success, and is entitled to a rest for reorganization. This especially as during the past three days it has incurred heavy casualties when circumstances would not permit either advance or withdrawal. "At a time when the divisions on its flanks were faltering and even falling back, the 91st pushed ahead and steadfastly clung to every yard gained. "In its initial performance your division has established itself firmly on the list of the commander-in-chiefs reliable fighting units. Please extend to your officers and men my appreciation of their splendid behavior and my hearty congratulations on the brilliant record they have made." The "Died in Service" pages printed for the past months in the Era, tells in part of the sacrifice of lives of Utah and Idaho boys, and boys of surrounding states, who did their patriotic duty in the 91st, who acted the loyal, manly part on the field of battle, in the greatest war the world has ever witnessed. And there are many men from Utah, Idaho and other western states in other organizations of the army and navy, who deserve similar encomiums. Joy in the Work of the Church This in a letter to Acting. Superintendent Moroni S. Leaver, of the Salt Lake stake, from Superintendent Wilford A. Beesley, now in the service of his Country. It is worth while "There is : absolutely nothing to compare with the joy of work in the — Church of God the only thing I have found in which the recompense always surpasses the effort made." A Father's Day Victory Letter to President Heber J. Grant "Over There," Nov. 24, 1918, My dear President Grant: — It was with sorrow that I read the notice of President Smith's death in the Paris edition of the New York Herald la^t evening. He has surely passed to a great reward. No one could EDITORS' TABLE 353 know him without feeling his greatness and he was an example of truth and steadfastness that was an inspiration to all who knew him. This is the day, as you know, when the members of the A. E. F. are asked to write a "victory letter" to their dads at home. It was my intention to write one to President Smith as an appreciation of a blessing he gave me before my departure overseas. As he has gone and my own father has been gone several years, I write it to you as a son. The troops that I accompanied arrived in Liverpool on August 12th. We had many bufferings and inconveniences of travel. After sitting up for two nights we found ourselves at Langres after our departure from Le Hare, the port we arrived at in France. Langres is the centre of the school area for the A. E. F., and 32 schools for the various branches of the service were there when the armistice was signed. The signing of the armistice was the signal for general rejpicing in France. The joy she displayed in this part was pathetic. Cities here had been in total darkness for four and one-half years and the inhabitants had lived in terror of air raids all during that time. One cannot wonder that they celebrated for days. To America her thanks is genuine and her soldiers are honored. The army has treated the population here also in an idealistic way. There is no relaxation in the discipline of the army, and I am enclosing General Pershing's "Victory Order" which still points the way for it to go. I am sure they will do as he tells them. A few days after hostilities ceased I had the good fortune to pass through Verdun and go well into territory that had been occupied by the Germans since the beginning of the war and saw one of America's finest divisions going in to occupy this released soil. One could hardly believe that such soldiers lived and he could see by their looks that they were still actuated by the same idealism that placed their comrades above physical suffering. It may be that they looked so glorious, in contrast to the endless procession of released prisoners of war that were trudging their way across that devastated region to France and freedom. A newspaper writer said that the endless procession reminded him of the lost souls passing into Dante's Inferno. It did not appeal to me that their souls were lost, for there appeared a hope in their faces that was strong enough to take them, weak and lame, to freedom. As we repassed them for 30 miles on our return trip as we came farther into France from the heights of Verdun, you could just see France with America's help, take them and give them life. There history of the will probably be no such procession as that again in the world. Fortunately there were few Americans there and what few there were had been held but a few months where the rest had been years. It thrill as he was a sight never to be forgotten. One cannot help but feel a greatest assault of all looks at Verdun, the city that withstood, perhaps the paid, for time. She still stands proudly erect, majestic in the price she that price made her one collossal ruin. We have no intimation of what our next move will be. We stand, Thanksgiving time and ready to do whatever task is asked. Of course, at unconsciously comes that Christmas our thoughts turn to home and the wish will take some time to we might get back soon. We also know that it machine and return its forces where they came from. readjust this war greatest achieve- When its history is written it will be known as perhaps the ment in the history of our nation. and the e <,„ e seasons «„'., With best wishes for you in health and strength, remain, compliments to your family and associates, I Sincerely yours, (Signed) John F. Sharp, Major M. C. U. S. Army. 354 IMPROVEMENT ERA PERSHING'S VICTORY ORDER The following is General Pershing's Victor Order to the American Army—thanking it for its heroic efforts in war. The Commander-in-Chief of the American armies in Europe, issued the following order to the troops: France, Nov. 12, 1918. The enemy has capitulated. address myself in thanks It is fitting that I directly to the officers and soldiers of the American Expeditionary Forces who, by their heroic efforts have made possible this glorious result. Our armies, hurriedly raised and hastily trained, met a veteran enemy, and by courage, discipline 'and skill always defeated him. Without complaint you have endured incessant trials, privations and dangers. You have seen many your comrades make the supreme sacrifice that Freedom may of live. thank you for the patience and courage with which you have en- I dured. I congratulate you upon the splendid fruits of victory which your heroism and the blood of our gallant dead are now presenting to our na- ' tion. Your deeds will live forever in A mei"i ca s history. Those things you have done. There remains now a harder task which will test your soldierly qualities to the utmost. Succeed in this, and littlenote wiU be taken and few praises will be sung; fail, and the bight of your glorious achievements of the past will sadly be dimmed. But you will not fail. Every tendency may urge toward relaxation in discipline, in conduct, in appearance, in everything that marks the soldier. Yet you will remember that each officer and soldier is the representative in Europe of his people, and that his brilliant deeds of yesterday permit no action of today to pass unnoticed by friends or by foe. You will meet this test as gallantly as you have met the tests of the battlefield. Sustained by your high ideals and inspired by the heroic part you have played you will carry back to our people the proud consciousness of a new Americanism born of sacrifice. Whether you stand on hostile territory or on the free soil of France, you will so bear yourself in discipline, appearance, and respect for all civil rights that you will confirm for all time the pride and love which every American feels for your uniform and for you. John J. Pershing, General, Commander-in-Chief. Messages from the Missions From "Old Deseret" Leicester Square, London, Dec. 19, 1918. Special Correspondence by Percy Percy vol: "Old Deseret" is now the haven of rest for the poor, tired soldier, sailor, and nurses from Intermountainland. Only a few squares from the "Denver Unit" or "Base Hospital No. 29," where hundreds of wounded Americans are quartered, these "Blue Boys" (as the English call them), with their loose-flowing blue flannels, their red sailor-knotted neckties, love to stroll into Sabbath School, which is held at 11 a. m.; also to eventide service at 6:30 p. m. Here also, they find their favorite homeland publications on the free-file, in the old library attached to the Assembly Hall. How they enjoy perusing the Improvement Era, as well as the Deseret News. "Worth a pound of nux vomica as a tonic to us poor, shrapnel, bullet-pierced soldiers from Intermountainland," exclaimed a Utahn leaning upon crutches. Nurses, too, like Misses Jacobson, Shallabargar, and others (formerly supervisors in Saint Marks' Hospital, Salt Lake City), also have attended services at "Des- "WAR GUARD" AT "OLD DESERET" DEC, 1918; President McKay and Elders of London Conference: (Left to right, sitting front row; Charles A. Welchman, Union, Wyoming; President James Gunn McKay, Ogden, Utah; Clerk James H. Ludlow, Salt Lake City, Utah; Back row, standing; Oliver G. Ellis, and Harold L. Browning, both of Ogden, Utah; Hugh S. Latimer, Salt Lake City, Utah. eret" and "looked over the familiar home personals in Zion," in the reading room. Among prominent visitors lately at "Deseret" have been Captain Hyde S. Taylor, grandson of President John Taylor, who has won distinction in almost all branches of military service; now he is in aviation division, and is popular with his superior officers and noted for his wondrous organizing ability. Sergeant Craven, minus his right leg, lately shot off on the battlefield, was another visitor. Corporal Bergstrom, of Salt Lake City, and Corporal Charles Tufts, both of whom attracted attention by holding occasional L. D. S. meetings "under the cedars" in battleland, are now enjoying, together, their little "fourteen days of leave" at Deseret. The number of elders is the smallest now, in the history of "Deseret." President James Gunn McKay, of Ogden, Elders James H. Ludlow, clerk, with Hugh S. Latimer (both) from Salt Lake City, are "holding the fort" and are known as the "war guard," owing to war restrictions. Elder Harold L. Browning, of Ogden, has just started for homeland, honorably released; Elder Charles A. Welchman, of Union, Wyoming, has been transferred to Nottingham Conference; Elder Oliver G. Ellis, of Ogden, has been transferred to Leeds Conference a day or two ago ; he received a fine steamer-rug, as a gift, from the elders; President McKay was requested to make the presentation speech. Elder Ellis has made hosts of friends, who regret to learn of his departure from London. Over 20,000,000 souls comprise the total population of London Conference — the most populous conference in — existence extending from Oxfordshire to Dover Channel, and from the East to Portsmouth and Wales. It has, indeed, been a stirring year. Time and again the old walls of historic "Deseret" were used as a "Raid-Refuge- Shelter," by the panic-stricken populace; then Persident McKay marshaled the elders and held "Prayer and Experience Meetings" in the assembly-room which was filled with refugees. During the past few months several new branches have been started, one at Tunbridge Wells, the famous "Spa/? in 356 IMPROVEMENT ERA Kent, the ''Garden County of Olde Englande." All the elders join with the writer in sending homeland, best wishes for the coming year. Saints and Laborers in the Manchester Conference Lester F. Hewlett, writing from Oldham, England, November 22, 1918, calls attention to the semi-annual Manchester conference at which workers from all parts of that conferences were present. The group herewith represents part of the members of the conference. There are only two traveling elders here, whereas the pre-war number was 25 to 30. In spite of this shortage, the brothers and sisters have arisen to the occasion, the 1 •* 0i M £ pT w* «^ ^1^.C3 ~ -u j, . . «> *5$ rm&tmmj*^ m^fr v MA *V/»#,^,4^ MANCHESTER CONFERENCE results are, enthusiasm and progress. Our sisters are faithfully distributing the "good word" and there are some good preachers among them. They are oft n sent on circuit to other branches. President George F. Richards appears in the second row, fifth from the left side, Conference President, Lester F. Hewlett is on his right and Elder Evan O. Perkins, clerk, on his left. The other people represent the priesthood and lady missionaries of the conference. Died in the Field Elder Marcus Conrad Anderson, son of Joseph "W. and Carrie Thoresen Anderson, Hyrum, Utah, died at San Antonio, January 11, 1919, of typhoidfever. He was set apart, September 4, 1918, by President Heber J. Grant, as a missionary to the Central States mission; later he was assigned to the eastern Texas field. He was born in Hyrum, February 4, 1898, received his education in the public schools, and in the South Cache High School, in that city. Elder Melvin G. Wood left San Antonio on January 13, to bring the body home for burial. Elder Anderson is survived by his parents, seven brothers and two sisters, also by his grand-parents, Mr. and Mrs. I. C. Thoresen, and many relatives in southern Cache county. Elder Roy G. Archibald, son of Thomas H. and Rachel Gregson Archibald, Cardston, Alta, Canada, died of influenza-pneumonia at Victoria, British Columbia, January 10, 1919, while laboring in the Northwestern EDITORS' TABLE 357 States mission. He had been laboring in Victoria for about fourteen months. His home is inGlenwoodville, Alta, Canada, to which place the body would probably be shipped for burial. Word was received of his death at the office of the First Presidency, January 13, 1919. Elder Archibald was born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, February 11, 1898. Find Difficulties in Trading Elder Clarence Taylor, writing from Nelson, New Zealand, Wairau District, South Island, sends the enclosed picture of the elders and three sisters laboring in that district. The elders, back row: Clarence Taylor, M. P. Geddes, O. L. Miner; front. Sisters C. Simmonsen, Mrs. F. Kenning, Sister Annie Flowerday. Two of the elders, Geddes and Miner, are working with the Maoris, while Elder Taylor has charge of the European work. The elders laboring with the Maoris have found much pleasure in explaining the gospel to the native people in the Native tongue. The Maoris are a very righteous and God-fearing people, noted for their hospitality. They are few in number in that district, though scattered over a great area of the South Island, making it difficult for the elders to get in touch with them. The European work is prospering. There is much difference in the attitude of mind towards religion, between the European and the Maoris, the former being not quite so hospitable and God-fearing. The majority of the Europeans are Catholics or Protestants, and the elders frequently receive scant encouragement in their efforts to place the gospel before the public, when trading. The elders have no meetinghouses to hold services in, hence they use the home of Grandma Flowerday, who is a good Latterday Saint. "We also meet in other homes of good Christians when granted the opportunity. In trading we find difficulty because of the opposition of certain ministers who warn the public against us, but this very warning has its effectin arousing the curious to know what kind of doctrine we preach, so that where the ministers aim to injure us, they frequently help us in our work, also, though they have considerable influence over a certain class of people." 358 IMPROVEMENT ERA Local Brethren Shouldering Responsibility Herbert E. Williams, President of the Utrecht Branch, Netherlands, writes under date of September 30: "This picture shows a number of the Saints of our branch of the Netherlands mission. It was taken July 25, 1918. The Lord's work is prospering here, and it gives us much joy to live for the spirit of the gospel truth. As we are few in number, the local brethren are manfully shouldering the responsibility and are doing their part in preaching the gospel of salvation to the people. This branch has grown in the past year, in spite of the shortage of missionaries. We have performed as many baptisms as the year previous. One may ask how this is possible. The secret is: the Lord's work will go on. We extend our greeting to the Saints in Zion and to our fellow workers throughout the Lord's vineyard." Great Success in the Sale of Books of Mormon President James N. Lambert of the New Zealand mission writes from Auckland, September 25: "For the past few months we have attempted to make a special drive to sell Books of Mormon, in this mission, among the English speaking people. Elders Wilmer J. Maw, of Plain City, Utah, and Rulon S. Wood,, of Huntsville, Utah, have been the most successful elders in th:s regard. During July, Elder Maw sold 44, and Elder Wood 33, a total of 77. In August, Elder Maw i9 credited with having sold 75, and Elder Wood 55, a total of 130. They have by no means spent their time exclusively in selling Books of Mormon, but have been 'top-notchers' in almost every EDITORS' TABLE 359 requirement made of them as missionaries. I enclose herewith a photo of these two elders. I pray for the success of the Era. which is certainly a great help to the missionaries." Local Elders Doing the Work Elder Edgar Everton, writing from Indianapolis, Indiana, October 5, says: It has been prophesied by some prominent man that the time would come when the local Priesthood of Indiana would be able to carry on the work of spreading the gospel without the aid of missionaries from Zion. It looks now like the missionaries might soon all be called in; cities that have had missionaries all the time, now only see elders once or twice a year, but the local priesthood, as a general thing, are well prepared to work with us. During the past year, when the elders, in order to keep in touch with the work, have been constantly in the country, the local priesthood of these branches have carried on the work with creditable success. They not only carry the responsibility of the branch, but are using the cottage meetings and other means to teach the gospel of Christ, and have many baptisms to their credit during the past season. The Linton branch, though small in numbers, is strong in leadership, and at the present time is second to no other in the mission. Elders, left to right, standing: Local elders, Edward Hays, James Clayton, Vernon Robinson, Robert Nicholas; sitting, Elder A. L. Williams, of Ephraim, Utah, and Edgar Everton, of Logan, Utah." "Nopera," the Elders' Home . Elder Llewellyn P. Thomas, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, New Zealand, writes, October 3: "The Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa conferences were combined some three years ago. The Saints of this conference are some of the most faithful and strongest of the mission, and are doing much to bring their fellow natives to a more perfect knowledge of the gospel principles, preaching both by example as well as by precept. The local brethren holding the priesthood are exceptionally enthusiastic in fulfiling their home missions each month. The elders from Zion have just completed an elders' home and have named it Nopera, in honor of Brother and Sister Katyso and Eriata Nopera, whose photographs are pictured in the accom- panying photograph with the elders. The elders are R. C. Parry, Ogden, E. D. Harris, Beaver; L. O. Thomas, conference president, Salt Lake City; Stanley Hatch, Woods Cross, Utah, the latter two being in the front row. Through the assistance of the natives, both in material and money, the elders were able to complete the home. The Saints of the conference contributed generously in aid of its erection, and the Relief Socity organization of the various branches helped to furnish it. The home is situated in the Korongata branch, near the Maori Agricultural College, and will serve as elders' head- quarters. We have been greatly blessed of the Lord and prospered in our labors, and hope to prove worthy of the love and esteem of our Maori Saints and friends. A Mutual Improvement Association has been organized in our conference in the past year, which is proving to be beneficial indeed to the younger people. We hope to have two more similar associations organized in the near future, as the enthusiasm in the one has become quite contagious. We also feel highly honored in having one of the two Maori Primary Associations of the mission in our conference. The photograph of the elders' home is also herewith given. We assure you that the Era is highly appreciated by all who are privileged to read it here."