PARISH MEETINGS.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 17, 20 July 1898, Page 5

PARISH MEETINGS.

« : ST. MARK'S CHURCH. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Mark's was held in the new schoolroom last night, and was well attended. The Rev. R. Coffey, M.A., in opening tbe meeting, said that never had there been such a satisfactory condition of things as had existed in the parish during tho past 12 months., The fire had apparently burnt up the apathy and laziness which had previously marked the parishioners, as well as tbe old schoolroom. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, published yesterday, Mr. R. C. Uamerton also remarked upon the success which had attended the year's work, praising especially the efforts of the ladies through their sewing bee towards tho school rebuilding fund. The school, as it nowstood, furnished, cost £1800. Mr. C. H. Chatwin seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Officers were elected as follows:—Curate's Churchwarden, Mr. C. H. Chatwin; Parishioners' Churchwarden, Mr. R. C. Uamerton; Vestrymen, Messrs. J. Avery, J. D. Avery, G. T. Bell, H. J. H. Blow, YV. P. James, J. E. Page, T. TV. Pilcher, jun., H. Meek, C. P. Brockett, aud J. C. Andrew; Auditors, Messrs. A. TV. Kitson and P. P. Webb. Mr. C. U. Chatwin moved, "That this meeting hereby approves of allowing churchwomen to vote for their parish representatives at the annual meetings of parishioners, and requests the synodsmen to support any resolution which may be proposed favouring Urn proposal in the coming diocesan meeting." The mover said it was only right that the church franchise should be so extended. The principle bad been approved in England, but it went no further. He did not approve of women holding office, but they should have a voice in the direction of church affairs. Mr. R. C. Hamerton suggested that the franchise should be extended to other than parish elections. The Chairman urged the adoption of Mr. Chatwin's motion. He thought the time had arrived when the laymen should demand this franchise from the Synod. The clergy wore very conservative, but they should give way to what was a moial right. Mr. 11. J. 11. Blow said the hiity were almost wholly in favour of the question. It was the clergy which had to be brought round to its favour. Mrs. Kitson said she thought the women would be glad to get the vote — and the vote only. Mrs. Red ward expressed the same opinion, and Mrs. Taylor said the women deserved to vote, and would be glad to get it. Another lady said she did not think the members of her sex wanted to sit on the Vestry. The motion was carried with but three dissentients, one beiug a member of the disfranchised sex. Mr. J. C. Andrew moved a hearty vote of thanks to the parish officers for their services during the past term. \This was carried with acclamation, and a like compliment was, on the motion of Mr. H. J. H. Blow, paid to the various societies attached to the church for valuable assistance rendered, the choir specially being singled out for its great help. Mr. J. Avery was given individual thanks, and after his reply the meeting closed at 9.15, the Chairman dismissing his congregation with the remark that it had been the briefest and brightest meeting for some years in the parish.