The first quarterly meeting of the California State tract and missionary society, the year, was held in Oakland, October 19, 1878. Of the eight districts in the State four were represented by directors, as follows: Wm. Harmon of district No. 1, John Mavity of No. 3, E. R. Gillett of No. 7, and M. C. Israel of No. 8. After the usual opening exercises, minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted, after which the report of labor was read, as follows:— [The report from district No. 3, though sent, has not been received.] The subject of Health Annuals for 1879, was discussed, and the society voted to take 3,500 copies, the districts having ordered as follows: No. 1, 500; No. 3, 350; No. 7, 1,000; No. 8, 650; the remaining 1,000 copies are to be held by the State society to supply districts that have not yet ordered and for general purposes. Voted, That the society indorse the new singing book, the Song Anchor, and recommend its use in all Sabbath-schools. Interesting remarks regarding the ship work were made by Elder Israel and Brother Partridge, and it was Voted, That the society furnish whatever reading matter is required for that branch of labor, at the discretion of those having the work in charge. The importance of obtaining full reports of missionary labor was discussed, and the means for securing the same, and it was recommended that the directors visit every church in their respective districts at least once a quarter. On motion, the meeting adjourned. E. R. Gillett, Vice President,
LILLIE D. ABBEY, Secretary.