ST. MARY'S PARISH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 282, 27 November 1891, Page 3

ST. MARY'S PARISH.

Last evening a meeting of bhe parishioners of St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral Church, Parnell, was held in bhe Scarboro' Terrace Schoolroom, Parnell. Tuore was a fair attendance, and the Rev. G. H. Preston. incumbent, opened the proceedings ■with prayer. The first business was the election in the place of Mr Draffin, resigned, and Mr D. Hay was elected bo the vacancy. Mr Preston then left the chair, and Mr H. C. Tewsloy took his place as chairman. Mr Towsley said that they had met to deal with a certain position. The question was, what were they going to pay their incoming incumbent? He put in a statement of the financial position of the parish, from which it appeared that there was a funded debt of £600, and a floating debit of from £112 to £160, and unless the latter was wiped out there would be a difficulty in paying their clergymen a stipend of £350. The question was whether they could wipe out their floating debt and also reduce the funded liability. He said that out of 400 attending the church only 150 contributed as regular givers, .but it the others only gave a penny each regularly the present requirements would be met. It would, he thought, be_ a pity to commence a new incumbency with a less salary than that they were now coincided with Mr Tevrsley's remarks, and would like bhe church to ofier £400 or even more. He thought it was a disgrace that a large congregation like that of St. Mary's could not raise this sum. it they wanted a gcod man they must ofier a decent "screw." Messrs Bourne and Waymouth also spoke. Mr Waymouth thought that frtr the present £300 would bo sufficient. Major Gay was of the same opinion. Captain Frater moved: " Thaba salary of £350 per annum be offered the incoming clergyman," and Mr Browne seconded the motion. , , Mr Philson moved as an amendment: "Thai) the salary be £400." Mr Taylor seconded the proposal. *«-fi,-----i Mr E. Waymouth moved as a further amendment.-. "That the salary be £300. Mr Page seconded thi3. , . On being put to the vote the original motion was carried, eleven voting for it.