PARISH MEETINGS. ST. MARK'S.

Evening Post, Volume LIV, Issue 18, 21 July 1897, Page 2

PARISH MEETINGS. ST. MARK'S.

The annual meeting of St. Mark's parishioners was held last evening in the Church. The Rev. R. Coffey, vicar, presided. The annual report and balance-sheet, a precis of which was published yesterday, was adopted on the motion of Mr. J. W. Henderson, seconded by Mr. S. Brown. Mr. Brown asked for information ns to the site of the proposed new schoolroom. He understood it had been suggested to build in front of the church, which would be rather a pity, as it would interfere with the present approach. N ' • Mr. Henderson said the matter had been very carefully considered by the Vestry, which had appointed a committee to go over the ground and find the most suitable site. That committee came unanimously to a decision that the front of the church was the best site, as there was no room at the back without placing the school iv dangerous proximity to the church in case of fire. The present position was that it had been resolved to erect the school in front of the church, unless a more suitable site could be obtained at a reasonable price outside the church acre. The plans submitted would not iuterfere with the approach in any way. Mr. Chapman said he would be very sorry to see the school in front of the church, as it would disfigure it entirely. The congregation ought to have a say in the matter. Mr. C. H. Chatwin was appointed Curate's Churchwarden, and Mr. It. C. Hamerton Parishioners'. Churchwarden. The following were elected as a Vestry :— Messrs. J. Avery, G. T. Bell, H. J. H. Blow, C. P. Brockett. J. E. Page, P. Penty, T. W. Pilcher, jun., C. E. Zolirab (all re-elected), J. W. Henderson, and W. P. James. Messrs. J. H. Hall and A. W. were re-appointed Auditors. Mr. S. Brown proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing officers, who had very efficiently managed the affairs of the parish, as was shown by the report. When the plans of the proposed new school were ready he trusted 'the parißhiouers would have an opportunity of having a voice in the matter oE the, ,4'te. He did not like t,he idea of seeing'tlfeiihurch in the background as if it were a stable. The C hairhian said there would be a special meeting ;6f parishioners called to authorise the expenditure for the proposed, building. As regards the site, vie decision rested with " necessity "—it ' was a case of Hobson's choice. He was s6 thoroughly satisfied with the danger of erecting; the building at the corner, of the chnrcn that be meant to be firm in preventing it if he could. It would be nothing short of folly, however much they mightidislike theohurch being at the back, to rebuild on the Corner. He believed that neither the Vestry nor the Diocesan Trustees could take the ground attached to the parsonage without his consent, and that he did not intend to give. He did not, want it himself, and had offered to exchange it for a "piece of the College grounds, at present unused, which would make a suitable site for the school. If they were unable to obtain this or another piece of .Jand in the vicinity, it seemed ni" evitable that the school must be built in front, unless .the parishioners chose to put their hands into their, pockets and find the money, in which case they, of course, could build where they pleased. In reply to questions, the Chairman said the money at present in hand amounted to between £700 and £750, besides the balance of £194 to the credit of the Churchwardens' Account. It was a matter for after consideration whether the new building would be brick or wdod. The vote of thanks to the outgoing officers was then passed, and a similar vote to the church choir. The Chairman also acknowledged the services rendered by Messrs. Bell,

Brockett, filcher, jun., Chatwin, and the Yen. Archdeacon Stock. This concluded the business.