From Blackburn, England

From Blackburn, England During the presidency of William J. Starkey, from June, 1919, to June, 1921, the force was very low in numbers as President Starkey had no help at all from Zion. He had several months alone in this vast thickly popu- lated manufacturing section where only a small part of the people have ever heard anything about the "Mormons." Since June, 1920, there has been a gradual increase in the mission force, and Liverpool conference has been so strengthened that there are now ten elders from Zion. These men are free to spend their time with non-members if they wish, because each of the five organized branches is presided over by a local man, or branch presidency, who are capable of carrying on the work of the branches without assistance; but, on the other hand, give valu- able aid in the different activities as missionaries. Everywhere the at- tendance at meeting is increasing and there is a gratifying improvement among the members in the living of the Word of Wisdom, payment of tithes, and observance of family prayers. Progress is being made in maijy directions, in spite of the industrial troubles which have racked England of late and which has interfered with street-meetings and the selling of literature as well as some other lines of work. Many of the people, in- cluding some of our members, have had very trying times as a result of the unprecedented trade-slump, but we are all trying to do what we can to help not only our own members but other worthy people who through no fault of their own are in distress. We know the solution of the na- tion's difficulties and recognize the fact that idle talk will not help and so with the help of the Lord we are trying to influence others to in- vestigate the gospel of common sense, by putting its principles into our lives. I have used the pronoun "we," because in the Liverpool confer- ence we have a fine team spirit, and although there are no "Stars" among us we are able by united effort to" accomplish much. The elders: Standing, Thomas G. Finch. Salt Lake City; Arthur L. Crawford, Enterprise; Q. David Hansen, Richfield, Utah; John H. Parkin- son, Rexburg, Idaho; Sitting: George T. Patrick, Salt Luke City, Con- ference Clerk; James H. Western, Deseret, Utah; Wilford O. Woodruff, Conference President; Clayton B. Turner, Murray, Utah; Ranald M. Jones, Henefer, Utah. — Wilford O. Woodruff, Conference President.