MANAIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 11 March 1927, Page 9

MANAIA.

ANGLICAN CHURCH. INSTITUTION OF VICAR An event of much importance and interest will take place this evening, when at St. Cuthbert’s Church the Rev. A. C Solomon will be instituted as vicar. ’of the Manaia parochial district. The service will be taken by the Ven. Archdeacon Creed Meredith, of Wanganui, and it- is. expected other, clergy of the district will he present. At the- conclusion of the service a social to welcome the new vicar will be held in the Oddfellows’ Hall. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wedhesday was a red-letter day in the- history of the Manaia Presbyterian church, the occasion being the visit of the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rev. Geo. McNeur, who is also the pioneer missionary of the- Church, having worked for the past 25 years in the mission fields of China. The congregation had set itself out to make his visit a memorable one. The proceedings started with a sitdown dinner at the Manaia Town Hall,, at which about 130 were’present. After a -sumptuous repast, the Rev. J. D. Smith, in a happy speech, introduced the Moderator to the people and 'welcomed him to the district.

Mr. N. C. Innes, chairman of the Manaia Town Board, also welcomed him on behalf of the citizens of Manaia.

As . session clerk, Mr. T. A. Bridge extended a w’elcome. on behalf of tJie session and congregation. The- Moderator, on rising to reply, was greeted with applause, and thafilted all for their warm w’elcome.

A vote of thanks to the ladies, and to all those who had contributed provisions, ended this part of the welcome.

In the evening, after devotional exercises, the Moderator addressed a large audience on the present position in China. His remarks were listened to with rapt attention, and the inform, ation supplied, coming from one with his vast experience, gained during his 115 years’ residence in China, was most enlightening and greatly appreciated. His address was upon the lines of tljat lately delivered in Hawera, and the congregation were grateful to learn that the efforts of the missionaries in China, had not been nullified by/the present turmoil, for they were told by the .speaker that the mission hospitals, schools, and institutions were all being carried on by the Chinese mission.