MINISTER RETURNS FROM AMERICA

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22424, 10 June 1938, Page 4

MINISTER RETURNS FROM AMERICA

HALKETT PRESBYTERIAN WELCOME A large gathering of members 1 of the Halkett Presbyterian charge met in the Kirwee Hall recently to welcome home the Rev. Dr. T. Paterson, who has been studying at Berkeley, California, where he gained a Doctor of Divinity degree. The function took the form of a “high tea,” at which 250 people attended, with the Rev. L. W. Rothwell (interim moderator) presiding. Bouquets were presented to Mrs Paterson by Noreen Mulholland and to Mrs Rothwell by Stella Weir. A cake made by Mrs W. Syme and iced by Mrs A. D. Thompson was cut by the guest of honour. Mr Rothwell, in welcoming Dr. Paterson,' congratulated him on his success, Addresses of welcome and congratulation were also given by the Rev. A. C. Watson, of St. Paul’s, Christchurch (a friend of Mr Paterson for 20 years), the Rev. F. Gunn, of St. Ninian’s, Mr G. T. Robertson (Halkett congregation), Mr D. Mulholland (Darfield congregation), Mr A. Robertson (Kirwee congregation), Mr W. Syme (Kimberley congregation), and Mr D. McVinnie (West Melton congregation).

Dr. Paterson thanked those who had worked for the church during his absence. He mentioned the various people he had met abroad, among whom were Jews who had left Germany. Mr G. T. Robertson thanked Mr Rothwell for his work as interim moderator and presented him with a cheque in appreciation. A social gathering followed, items being given by Mr Rothwell, Mesdames Charlesworth, G. Wright, and Messrs K. and G. Suckling (Tai Tapu). Mr Rendel Wilson was master of ceremonies.

OBITUARY

MR HUGH ATKINSON

Mr Hugh Atkinson, a respected resident of Annat, died recently at the Christchurch Hospital. He was born at Gust in 1876, and joined the railway service in 1901, serving as a ganger until he resigned in 1919 to take up farming at Annat. Mr Atkinson was a Past Grand of the Loyal Coleridge Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., served on the Glentunnel School Committee for 10 years, and was a member of the Annat School Committee for a term. He belonged to the Malvern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and to the Annat Orange Lodge, and held office as an elder of the Sheffield Presbyterian Church. In 1902, Mr Atkinson was married to Miss Bethia Hendy (Kaiapoi), and is survived by her and two sons, Messrs Gordon Atkinson (Leeston) and R. Atkinson (Annat); His brothers are Messrs Joseph Atkinson (New Brighton) and T. E. Atkinson (Ashburton), and his sisters Mesdarpes Wright (Kairaki) and Peterson (Christchurch). The funeral, which was largely attended, took place at the Waddington Cemetery. The service was conducted by the Rev. L. Rolhwell, and Bro. J. E. Horrell (Cust), District Master ot the Orange Lodge, recited the lodge service. The bearers were Messrs George Hor.eybone, E. Finer, H. Heinisch, and A. Atkinson. WEATHER IN MAY RAINFALL AT PUAHA > The rainfall for May recorded by Mr J. C. Harty, Puaha, is as follows: Total for month, 1.611n; maximum daily fall, .63in on May 5. Rain fell on eight days, the total to date for the year being 13.93 inches. In May, 1937, 5.15 inches fell. RECORDINGS FOR CHEVIOT Records taken by Mr A, Wilkinson, Gore Bay, show that May was rather a dry month, 1.37 inches of rain falling on 12 days, making a total for the year of 16.34 inches. For the same period last year 4.84 inches fell on 10 days, a total of 13.4 inches for the first five months. Records taken by Mr J. D, E. Winskill, Caverhill, give 1.47 inches for Mav. and a total lor the year of 20.42 inches. SPRINGSTON SOUTH WESLEY GUILD A meeting of the Springston South Ladies' Wesley Guild was held at the home of Mrs E, J. Harris. Mrs Harris presided. A competition was won by Mrs J. Woods. A work competition (judged by Mrs Cottom) resulted as follows: Mrs J. Woods 1, Mrs W. Keast 2. Hostesses were Mrs T. Hamilton and Miss P. Hamilton.

SPRINGFIELD BOWLING CLUB

The ninth annual meeting of the Springfield Bowling Club was held recently. Mr C. Saundercock was in the chair.

The balance-sheet showed a credit of £l4 6s 4d.. The following ofilcers were elected: —Patrons, Messrs G. W. Forbes and B. Milliken; president, Mr H. Faulkner; vice-president, Mr L. Buchanan; treasurer, Mr L. Walker; secretary, Mr P, Vaughan; committee, Messrs J. Davidson. P. Milliken, A. Robertson, F, Clark, A. Stewart, S. Buchanan, T. Munro, B. Smith, Mesdames D. McCallum and W. Montgomery; green superintendent, Mr M, Vaughan. AKAROA YOUNG PEOPLE'S CLUB The weekly meeting of the St. Peter’s Church Bible Class and Young People’s Club, Akaroa, was held recently, Archdeacon A. J. Petrie continued his talks on Scripture and discussed questions with members. A physical culture class was held and Dr. W. J. Edginton gave an address on the principles of first-aid and demonstrated bandaging. Supper and dancing concluded the evening.

HORORATA MOTHERS' UNION

There was a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Hororata branch of the Mothers' Union. Mrs C. W. I, Maelaverty welcomed members from the Courtenay and Klrwee branches, and their vicar, (the Eev. W. H. S. Hine). and Mra Hine. Canon H. J, W. Knights, of Rakaia, gave a talk on “The Bible.” .