PAPAKURA METHODISTS.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 83, 19 July 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

PAPAKURA METHODISTS.

Sir,—The report of your correspondent under the above heading needs a few words by way of explanation. The meeting of the board was a representative gathering, there being delegates from every church in the circuit, and the decisions were unanimous. The ’phone was taken out of the parsonage after due consideration, and with the approval of the Rev. J. F. Martin, and also at the time when he had received, and accepted, an invitation to remain in the circuit for another year. Our new minister (Rev. W. Parker), since he came to the church three months ago has visited nearly every member in the circuit and has found that in these difficult days, and with so much sickness about, that the phone is not a luxury but an absolute necessity, and the meeting endorsed that view, and decided to make the minister more accessible to those who needed him. Since your correspondent’s report appeared, a member of the church has offered to pay the cost of the ’phone as long as the Rev. Parker remains in the circuit, and on behalf of the church I have thankfully accepted the offer, and the ’phone goes in without any cost to the circuit. Also re cash grant towards the cost of benzine for the minister. After our minister had been in the circuit a little while he found that a district from Papakura to Wiri, and taking in the surrounding country, could not he worked satisfactorily without a car, and at his own expense purchased one. The Rev. Parker’s predecessors had been granted each quarter, travelling , expenses, and I ask. was it not only reasonable that Mr Parker, who had not put in any account for travelling expenses, should be granted at least an equivalent amount towards the cost of the benzine consumed. When our members know the true circumstances of the case, I have no fear as to what the verdict will be, but feel sure that they will endorse the action of the board. A majority of the married ladies concerned in the concert party, have also disassociated themselves from the protest.—l am, etc., ' S. EVANS, Circuit Steward. Papakura, July 18, 1933.