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Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2604, 10 May 1869, Page 1 (Supplement)

LYTTELTON PARISH MEETING. The annual gathering of parishioners took place on May 3, in the Colonists’ Hall. The tables were kindly provided and presided over by Mesdames Rouse, Nalder, Hawkins, Ward, Knowles, McPherson, Grant, H. H. Knowles, Ellisdon, Tayler, Perrin, and Miss Beston. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided, a public meeting was held. The Rev. F. Knowles occupied the chair. On the platform were the Rev. Canon Wilson, Rev. C. Bowen, Drs Donald and Rouse, Mr H. B. Webb &c., and the choir of Holy Trinity Church. After a short opening address by the Chairman, Mr J. T. Rouse, churchwarden, read the financial report for the past year. He explained the cause of the falling off in the receipts, but the offertories had not fallen off in amount. The church needed repairs ; the roof was in a very bad state, and would require £7O to put it in good repair. Mr Graham had most kindly offered his services as church-keeper, free, for the ensuing year, in order to reduce the debt on the Cemetery fund ; for this he was entitled to their best thanks. During the past year, the south window had been repaired. Mr Wilkin and other gentlemen, had collected £33 16s. He suggested a plan for raising funds, and that was by a gift auction. The meeting was afterwards addressed by Dr Donald, Canon Wilson, and the Rev G. Bowen, the choir singing several pieces of music at intervals. Mr W. B. Jones gave a reading, which was applauded. Mr H. R. Webb proposed a vote of thanks to the churchwardens and vestrymen for their services during the past year, which was carried by acclamation. Mr Nalder proposed a vote of thanks to Miss Ward, organist, Mr Plimmer, choir-master, and the choir, which was carried unanimously. Mr Rouse proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Graham, church-keeper, to Mr Wilkin and Mr Childs; and Mr A. Bayfield proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for providing the tables, which was carried by acclamation.