MAYFIELD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9653, 9 July 1919, Page 6

MAYFIELD.

The second meeting in connection with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held in the Band Hall on Saturday • evening. There, was a good attendance, and Mr f Duff occupied the chair. By- a unanimous vote of those present it was decided to form an association. It was decided to offer the position of patron to Mr D. G. Wright. Mr Duff was elected president. A number of vice-presidents were nominated. Mr D. 0. Sewell was elected treasurer, and as auditors Messrs C. W. Withell and J. Murdoch: were elected. Several business matters Wove discussed.

A Church of England service, conducted by" the Rev. J. Pctrie, of Mount Somo.rs, was held in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening. His text; was taken from Matthew xxiv.. o: "Tell us when shnll these things ho ? And what shall be thesign of Thy coming and of the end of the world ?" The minister showed the remarkable coincidence between several prophesies in Revelations xiii. and xviii. sind. events in the Great War. Could these be all mere coincidences ? ho asked. Do you not think we have passed through Armageddon ? Were not wars, rumours of wars, famines, and pestilences prophesied to happen a-ito.r that event, and are they not with us to-day ? The world, far'from being at pence, is in a state of ferment and unrest. The industrial troubles the world over to-day, and hero in New Zealand, too —where and what are they leading to ? In its truest moaning thanksgiving should ensure a preparation for the future and one's host inlorests. It is of no use one's snyinti. "Thank God the war is over," and- letting the matter end there— that is not thanksgiving. Such an occasion is surely worthy of some sacrifice —to help make happier the lot of some maimed soldier, to help make better one's own life. Let us, then, realise what we have to be thankful for, nnd let this event, the signing of tho Peace Treaty, bo a stimulus'for. each one. to go. forward with nobler find loftier ideals.

_An impressive service was held in tho Mayiield Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, when the services were conducted by the Roy. J. Johnston. Suitable psalms and hymns were sung. He chose for his' text Isaiah xxvii., 5. He emphasised the fact that national sins bring judgment in the end. and in Germany's actions during those memorable four years sin was at the back of it all; therefore judgment must follow as her portion. Those four years were a. severe testing time. All that was good in the Allies was weighed in tho balance when they had to stand and fight, and he trusted they were not found wanting. He referred strongly to the fact that the surrender and fall of the Germans was the greatest tragedy ever recorded in 'the history of any war or any people. He contrasted Germany of to-day with Germany in Luther's time. They were a people who belittled the Bible, and therefore they must .suffer in consequence. at this time, he said, thank God for the victory, oven though that victory cost us so much. He referred to the seething unrest in the world at tho present time. The best and surest peace for all was that peace referred to in the 14th chapter of St. John. After the sermon he read the Royal Proclamation, the congregation standing, and at the close a verse of the National Anthem was sung. He closed the service with the singing of the 15th Hymn and pronouncing the Benediction.

Last Saturday night a meeting was held in the Band Hall to consider the formation of a Miniature Rifle Club. There was a good and representative attendance, and it was unanimously decided that such a club should be formed. Mr W. J. Robertson was elected president, and Mr E. C. D. Withell hon. secretary and treasurer. The following were elected a. committee:—Messrs R. Oakley. Jas. Murdoch, B. Toner, It. Withell, R, Gallagher, W. 'Gallagher, and S. Miller. Matters including the purchase of rifle, ammunition, and targets, membership fees, and other details caused discussion. It was decided that a little boxing and other forms of sport could be introduced with a view to making the evenings lively and enjoyable for all. An early date was fixed for the opening night.