AKAROA

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7223, 24 April 1884, Page 6

AKAROA

[from our own correspondent.] April 23.

The Easter meeting of the parishioners of Akaroa was held last night, the rev incumbent in the chair. After opening the meeting with prayer, the Chairman asked his churchwarden, Mr A. H. Westenra, to read the report and balance-sheet of the retiring vestry. It appeared that about .£282 had been received and disposed of. The liabilities on April 1 amounted to £170; £lO5 of this deficit belongs to the stipend fund. It may be considered that about £4O is in hand to meet that. Still a very large amount has to be raised to cover the arrears, besides what is needed for current expenses. The Cemetery Fund also has liabilities amounting to £8 11s, but that sum is pretty certain to be received shortly in fees already due. The principal matters touched upon in thareport were—the necessity for increased liberality on the part of the parishioners; the induction of the present incumbent, and the confirmation of nearly fifty persons by the Primate at his last visit to this district; the loss sustained by the parish through the death of the Eev W. Aylmer, M.A., who, through the many years of his incumbency and during the remainder of his life, gave such liberal and kindly help to this parish; the valuable addition to the funds from the proceeds of the Easter fair (though how much was cleared by it is not yet ascertained, it is supposed to be about £SO). The report also expressed the thanks of the vestry to all who had in any way assisted in carrying on. the work of the church. The report and balance-sheet were adopted by the meeting, and a vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring vestry. The Eev A. Davidson then nominated Mr Saxton as his churchwarden, Mr A. H. Westenra, who has rendered most valuable service in that capacity for several years, particularly wishing to be relieved of it for the coming year. Mr W. H. Henning was unanimously elected, by the parishioners, as their warden. The following gentlemen were then nominated to form the vestry:—Messrs Westenra, Penlington, Nicholls, M. Wight, Garwood, Daly, Walton, M'Gregor, Noonan, W. Curry. It was arranged that the new vestry should meet next Wednesday, and the' meeting then terminated. The meeting called by the Mayor to consider bank matters did not come off; even the convener did not put in an appearance at the time and place advertised for it.

Firewood is now difficult to procure in the town, although it is never sold for less than 25s a cord. It is becoming every day more evident that coal will have to he imported direct from Newcastle. We have had a couple of days of cold, wet, southerly weather. It is likely to clear up to-day.