CONSECRATION OF THE HAPPY VALLEY CHURCH.

The consecration of the new. Church at Happy Valley took place yesterday. The Church, which ia capable of accommodating 70 people, has been built to the designs of Mr E. Black, of Nelson, and the contract has been executed by Mr John Scott. It is a prttty little building, built of wood, with iron roof, and comprisas chancel and navo, with* clergy Vestry on the right sida of the chancel^ There is a deep porch in the Gotbic style at the western end. The internal fittings are of red pin« and rimu. The Church had been extremely tastefully decorated by the psople living in the Valley, and the Maoris from the pah, who had contributed largely teward the supplies of flowers, ferns, palms, &o, and there was a very large attendance, some hundreds of people being present, and many not being able to gain admission to the Church.

His Lordship the Bishop, who arrived some few momenta after the hour announced for the commencement of the service, was met by the curate in charge, the Rev A. B. Watson, who was accompanied by the Yen Archdeaoon Mules, Beys J. P. Kempthorne, Fletcher, Innas-Jones, and P. W. Chattertori.

The consecration service was then proceeded with. The sentence of consecration was read by the Archdeaoon, the first lesson being read by the Rev F. W^ Chatter ton, and the second by the Rev Fletc! c-v." ; The sermon was preached by the Rev. lanes-Jones, who took as his text Ps. 106, 48th v»rso, "And let all the people say amen." "He gave an eloquent discourse, which was listened to with •rreat attention. The offertory .was then taken, and amounted to £9 Is lOd. His Lordship said their thanks were doe to Mr Martin for his generous gift of the site, and to those who had helped In the erection of the building they were now jo. Their incumbent he knew desired no thanks from them, but he must tell him of the appreciation in which hii efforts were held, both by those to whom he ministered and also by thoae with whom he served in the Lord. He would like to thank the lay readers for their exertions on behalf ot the clergy and people generally, and though they were working; for the reward that would be theirs ia another world, yet their present work was valued by all with whom they were conneoted. He ' tniE'.eu that the Church which they had met that day t*.dedicate to the service of God would be destined to see good work, and that all would help the pastor, who is looking after his flock bo earnestly and devoutly, and saying," Comei with us, and we will do thee good." He "was thankful that the opening bad been delayed until his return, it was one of the welcomes he liked bss't, and he had often longed for the time when such a ceremony should take place in Happy Valley. Though they had been very thankful that they had bad the schools in which to hold I their services*, yet the Church was greatly needed, and it would giya them a very "House of God,"- and their children would look forward with pleasure to going to the Church. This Church in Happy Valley: would be indeed happy to some of them if they could look at it and say, it was there I found my Saviour. He trnsie.l that the good work begun that day in their" dedication services would be continued from day to day and be blewed to many of them. , a ; After the closing prayer the Benediction

was prOnodneed, and tbVivrviee terminated! Subsequently there was a large gathering of the residents of tho district and the visiting olergy at the house of • the Rev A. R. Watson, when address*! wero given by the Bishop and tho inoumbent of ihe district.