MONGONUI.

New Zealander, Volume XVII, Issue 1570, 4 May 1861, Page 3

MONGONUI.

[FROM a CORRESPONDENT.] An interesting event occurred on Sunday the 7th inst., in the opening of a rustic chapel, in tire Oruaiti valley, when the Rev. W. Kirk preached a lucid discourse from John ix., 4. The population in this locality, though hut thinly scattered, is yet sufficiently numerous to render a place of worship highly important, no such provision being available within reasonable distance. To meet this requirement the present chapel has been erected on an eligible site accessible from all parts ot this newly settled district. On the above occasion a congregation of about fifty persons assembled for divine worship, the simultaneous advance ol whom by the various approaches on a bright autumnal day, afforded a pleasing sight, reminding ns of the joyous langage of the Psalmist, “ I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” The building is octagonal in form, with weather hoarded frame, the roof of steep pitch is neatly thatched with rushes,and issurmountcd by a wooden pinnacle. The interior is well lighted and ventilated, supplied with comfortable seats and batten floor, and is calculated to accommodate about eighty persons. The situation is happily selected, being on rising ground, and the general effect is pleasing and unique. We were gratified to learn that it is in contemplation to adopt measures by which the chapel shall be open for public worship every Sabbath day, and that the arrangements will lie strictly unsectarian, the co-operation of evangelical ministers of all denominations being invited. [This is the same building io which reference was made by os on a former occasion. It has been erected by Mr, Ball at bis own cost, and upon land which he has appropriated for its site.— Ed N. Z.]

Prbsbytbrian Church, Waikoa — A soiree was held in the above church on the 23rti ult., at which, notwithstanding the severity oi’ the weather, there was a full attendance of the residents in tlie district, along with a few fiom the neighbouring districts. The friends in town and elsewhere who were expected to have taken part in the proceeding of tlie meeting having been prevented from attending the entertainment and instruction of the evening were chiefly supplied by a local effort. After tea abundantly provided by tlie ladies of the district, and after a few introductory remarks of the chairman, the Rev. T. Norrie, tlie meeting was addressed by Mr. Reid, Papakura, Mr J. Runciman, Drury, and by Messrs.* Henderson, Steel, Wilson, Thorpe, and Dreamer of Wairoa. Reference was made in the speeches to the general prosperity and rapid progress of the district, which is now greatly accelerated by tlie good roads that are being made through the formation of a local board, assisted I»y the Provincial Government. As a further mark of prosperity it may he stated, that both the church and teacher’s house lately erected, are now out of debt, and by the proceeds of the soiree, a balance of £ll remains lor effecting improvements in the latter building. A library is also in the course of formation in connexion with the congregation, and a mutual improvement association is now being formed, so that provision will soon be made for the mental, moral, as well as religious welfare of this district.

H. jM.'s 58tii Regiment. —We watch, always with undiminished interest, the changes made from time to time amongst our old and valued friends in this, wjiich we liave more than half a right to call,the “Auckland Corps.” The familiar names are one by one getting out of the list. Wo observe that Lieutenant and Adjutant Bolton has retired from the Regiment, and accepted a commission as Captain and Adjutant of the 83rd Lancashire Ritle Volunteers. We may congratulate the Lancashire Volunteers on having acquired in their new Captain an excellent officer and an efficient Adjutant. Australian Mutual Provident Society. —We have much pleasure in calling attention to the prosperous state of this institution as indicated by returns received by the Agent here respecting the result of the last quin quenniul division of profits in February last : —l. A Policy effected under Table B-10, on the 9th November 1355, for {£looo is now worth .£1212 12s. 3d.—2. A Policy effected under Table A, on the 4th December 1855, for £SOO is now worth £539 Bs. 9d. —3. Tao Endowment Policies Cor children (pay able when they attain the age of 14) effected on the 15th November 1055 (or £IOO each, are now worth respectively £122 19s, 4d.—ln all cases whore the parties insured allow these bonuses to be added to the original sums insured, the ultimate value of the Policies becomes thereby enhanced from year to year. To members of the Society resident in Auckland the above information will, we have no doubt, be salisfactoiy. Village or Water view. —The sale of allotments of the Village of Waterview, 3i miles from the City, on the North Road, owing to the excessive inclemency of the weather on Wednesday Inst, was postponed to this day at half past one o’clock.