ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 3 May 1928, Page 9

ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

annual meeting. The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Mary’s Church was held last night, ai good attendance being presided over by the Rev. J. R. Young. * The vicar briefly reviewed the positron and referred to the mcitor-car which had done excellent service in the past. He said the exercise of' prudence wa® necessary with regard to the Nolan town property;, and there were outstanding labilities for which provision would have to be made in the near future. Referring to the Sunday School report, Mr Jaine said, in answer to a question, that' arrangements had been made for a. meeting of parents in regard to the presentation to Mr Francis, but not one attended 1 . He considered it right to make the presentation, but Mr Chadwick said the money shouldhave oome from the church funds. The vicar read a capital report from Mins King (kindergarten superintendent) which recorded that since July 3 last year the number of pupils had grown from 44 to 80 of children from two to seven years of age, and the teachers had increased from four to seven. She considered this a great record, hut the co-operation of parents was essential to see that children attended regularly. Mrs King paid a tribute to the unfailing loyalty of the teachers, and said that the church people should back them up in every ix>ssiblo way. More room, too, would soon be needed, concluded (the superintendent. The vicar added 1 that cordial appreciation (should b© expressed for the work done, and it was evident the little ones were very happy and receiving close attention.

The vicar also presented a report on St. Mary’s Mission Guild, by which much good work had been done, the members studying a selected book. He paid a Moving tribute to the' work ci the ladies who were members of the guild. A statement of account® showed that £IOB 13s 4d had been raised, of which £7B bad been sent to the mission fund, and with the balance held from last- year there was now £62 12s 2d in hand. There was, however, he added, a quota to be paid by the end of June. The sum of £2 16s had been icxpended in books. The eobeotions showed a fairly even list of amounts, totalling £lli 6s 2d for the year. The reports and statements were all adopted. VICAR’S REPORT.

Dealing generally with the position as he found it in the palish, the vioair, in his report, stated first that he would like to exprojas his cordial appreciation of the fine spirit shown in the sendees of the church, the highest interest for which to work, and he paid a tribute to the standard set by his predecessor, on© that made it hard for him to follow. He complimented the choir on its efficiency, but added that he considered the congregation did not join in the musical portion a® heartily as should be the case. This could be a great help to all. They should join, too, in the responses and make worship real and true. Thp Sunday School he said, was good and effective, but mot ideal, and be added that; many children were still not coming to school and many were irregular. If "it was to be rteally good, it needed the backing of the parents and congregation. He hoped he would be told of newcomers to the parish, so that children could be invited"to come. He said he was very grateful to Mr Jaine and Mrs King.’ They needed, however, more teachers.

The Bible classes' were all good, but they should be larger, and a strong effort sihou.ld be made with this en<j in view. A debt of gratitude was owed to the leaders. He appreciated much, th. 6 work of the choir, who gave a splendid lead in the services, but lie had hoped to see more people present at their special effort in Passion Week. He accorded hearty thanks to the Sanctuary Guild (Mrs Hobbs and helpers), to Miss Laurent for the care of the altar linen, to Mr A. E. Morris for 'his good services as sacristan and much other good work —he was a real physical and spiritual ] ie lp_to Mr W. Graham for much valued help. He referred, to the decision to discontinue the “Parish Message” and to send out free to all the Parish Noties, which he hoped would reach everv church house in the parish. He made an appeal for support to the “Church Chronicle, ’ ’ which told of all the diocese happenings, and should be more widely read. The Mission Guild, he said, was heath yand strong, and was a real education and intercessory in the work. ■ He thanked the churchwardens and vestry for their great help, and owed them" a sincere debt of gratitude. He referred to the need for an assistant priest, stating that he had made and would make all inquiries, and hoped to get a young man, just ordained, _ to help him in the work. In conclusion, he thanked all the people for many great kindnesses to himself and Mrs. Young, and hoped that these would he continued during the yeans that lay ahead. Special votes of thanks were accorded to Mr. E. It S. Dale, vicar’s warden, for his remarkably good services and the great amount of work done by him, and also to Mr. G. A. Burgess for his continued very efficient control of the choir during the year. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of officers resulted as under: Vicar’s warden, Mr. E. R. S. Dale; people’s warden, Mr. J. M. Townsend; vestry, Messrs Morris, l\yatt, McAnerin, Harley, Williams, J. U Smith, W. Graham, It. Henderson, H. D. Caplen, and 0. Frampton; auditors, Messrs C. Arlidgfc and T. Campbell. BUDGET FOR 1928-9. In a comprehensive statement Mr. Dale gave estimates of receipts and expenditure for the coming year. He said that the churchwardens had decided to keep a working account foxgeneral expenses, which they wished to make self-supporting, and a property aceoimt, to include flower show, garden partv, and rents, to build up a surplus with which to pay off part of the mortgage on the vicarage and debentures owin°* on behalf of the Nolantown property. He estimated the general receipts at £920, offertories and other current income, and the expenditure at a. similar amount. For the property; account lie estimated receipts at £SO0 —show £350, partv £45, and rents £los—and expenditure at £424, leaving a surplus ol £76 after payment of interest, rates, repairs, etc. They had begun the year with an overdraft of £249, but by cuttino- down expenses and other efforts hacT cleared this off, and were now ready to start from “scratch.’’ It would he advisable to build up. a redemption fund and clear some of the debentures, and to make a sinking fund. A very definite effort would be needed during the year. jn conclusion, hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the" lay readers and the verger. Mr. A. E. Morris referred to the envelope system, and said they should not he content till the offertory averaged £lO per Sunday. The pronouncing of the Benediction closed the meeting.

Supper was afterwards handed round by the ladies and was much appreciated by all.