DISTRICT NEWS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 15 June 1920, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS

- ■ ■—-*** STOKE. Last Thursday. 10th June, witnessed au exceptionally successful local gathering in the Stoke Public Hail. It was the occasion of the Hume Mission Festival, which took the form of a tea at 6 p.m. and a social gathering at 7.30 p.m., in the big Hall. The dayhad been very wet, in fact, the wettest for the whole season ,and m spite of this the tables were full, and an enjoyable hour was spent by those present. There was one table for children, and His Lordship Bishop Hadlier took his place among them. Dr Weeks, Dean of Nelson, was also present, with Archdeacon Kempthorne ami Rev. Heal. Our Vicar, Rev. J. A. Rogers, called on the Archdeacon to lead in the singing of tiio DoxoJogy, “Be Present at our Table, Lord.’-' Those ladies responsible for the tea arc to be congratulated on the great success of their undertaking in the face of great difficulties. The programme during’ the evening was greatly appreciated by a large gathering, which turned out in spite of the teeming rain. Archdeacon Kempthorne presided, and after the singing of a hymn, “The Church's One Foundation;”' he made a few appropriate remarks on the purpose of the gathering. He then called on the orchestra for an item which was well received. This small orchestra is an acquisition in a place like Stoke, and the wish was expressed that it might be heard again at.E?omo future date. 'They played two items during the evening, “The Prince of Smiles” march and “The Beautiful Ohio.” . Dr. .Weeks, gave a hue address on our duty as church members, taking ' as his theme a game of dominoes. This was inimicably worked out, and thoroughly interested the largo audience. After the next orchestral selection ' His Lordship Bishop Sadiier gave his lantern lecture on the remote corners of ; lis diocese. The lantern slides were full of interest to all present, and were ably explained and anecdotes given with frequent hashes of quaint humour by the Bishop, made one and all forget the state o>i the weather and other troubles while listening to the needs of our own back block brethren. The lanter mvas ably manipulated by Mr Heal. His Lordship took an opportunity to thank all those who had helped to make the k estival such a pronounced success in spite of fearful odds. He particularly mentioned the ladies who iiad prepared the tea, and lie characterised their efforts as being a splendid .example of downright “grit.” Hie orchestra had greatly helped towards the success of the evening, and these, with other orchestras throughout the Diocese, were thanked for what they did on these occasions, as also the singers and accompanists. The sing r iug°of a hymn and-the National Anthem brought a most successful festival to a close. The takings amoiiuted to £3O net, and this amount will be ■ paid in to the Home Mission Fund. SPECIAL MEETING STOKE FRUITGROWERS' ASSOCIATION. ADDRESS ON ‘‘FIRE BLIGHT.” A special meeting of the above was held on Friday. 11th Juno, to hear Mr Len Pavnter, ’ Government Instructor for * North Auckland, stationed at Hamilton, on the subject of ‘‘Fire JlliMit.” Mr Paynter gave a full report of this disease as encountered 'by him in uis district. He gave the character and life history of the - di;ir. geasc, and also enlarged on the method adopted for its control and eradicawas a very large attendance of members of. the Association (Mr A. Gilbert. President, in the chair). Questions were asked and answered, and all present learned to their satisfaction that everything that could ’he done to eradicate this disease was being done by the Department.