HAVELOCK NEWS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 87, 15 April 1903, Page 4

HAVELOCK NEWS.

[own correspondent.]

The labors of the Rev. H. Foston to provide a place of worship for the Methodist denomination of Canvastown were consummated on Good Friday by the opening of the new church, and that gentleman is to be deservedly congratulated upon having, in the face of many difficulties, achieved a desire that was menaced by the hurricane wrecking of a previous building, and many obstacles that beset his movements. The old saw of out-of-ship sailormen that they can get berths as long as there are more ships than Wesleyan chapels is likely to be affected if the Rev. Foston continues to devote his energies in the direction of church building—he is now responsible for the erection of two during the short term he has been in this distric.% and he is quite young yet. The programme of the proceedings on Friday last took the form of a sale of work during the afternoon, a public tßa meeting following; the evening being devoted to the distribution of goods from what was classed as an Easter Tree, a public meeting, presided over by Mr C. White, of Onamalutn, and at its conclusion a coffee supper. The formal proceedings were undertaken by the Rev. W. J. Williams, Chairman of the Nelson district, who appropriately opened the afternoon's business. Brisk sales were continued during the remainder of the day by the following ladies:—Work stall, Mesdames W. Twidle and S. Gardiner ; Easter tree (prepared by the Nelson Methodist C.E, Society), Mr3 Foston and Miss J. Popo; confectionary and produce, Misses Lammas and E. Gibbons ; tea roqm, Me^ames A. Glastonbury, W. Gibbons, and Lovell, Misses Lovell and A. Pope.

' At. the public meeting addresses were given ""by Revs^ Williams ajnd Foston, Messrs C. and F. White arid~ - E. Hart, the tone of the remarks being one of congratulation to the Rev. Mr Foston and general rejoicing. During the evening a vocal programme was rendered by the Mavelock Methodist choir, Miss Lovell, the Rev. Foston and Mr C. White, and public thanks were accorded to the donors of fho following church fittings and requirements : — Lamp. Mrs S. Gardiner j seats, Messrs F. Pope and J. Bown, sen.; pulpit Bible, Mrs Taylor, Nelson ; pulpit cushion, Mrs Foston \ offertory plates, Mrs Fuller ; special assistance, Messrs Glastonbbry, E. and C. Hart, and A. Wratt; piles for building, Messrs W. and V. Twiddle. A vpte pf recognition was also extended to the Canvastown School Committee for past U3e of the schoolroom , for services. *r

Tho new Churchy which is situated o'fi "ffie"Waklitnarina road near the special settlement is an attractive feature, 30ft x 18ft, with 12ft studs, porch 6ft x 6ft, and vestry 10ft x 10ft, and was built by Messrs Ward & Sons, of Onamalutn, Mr P. Paine, of Blenheim, being entrusted with the painting and decorating, Mr. P. Henderson with the plumbing, and Mr S- Draper with the brickwurk. Its internal appearance is enhanced by diagonal ceiling, distampered walls, dado of oilcloth, and ornamental platform front and pulpit. Throughout, the work is distinctly a credit to those upon whom the construction devolved.

A large number of residents and visitors thronged the building during the proceedings, and it is understood the receipts from all sources approached £10 for the day.