WHANGAREI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 5995, 3 February 1881, Page 3

WHANGAREI.

DurtiXG the' past week there have been several interesting meetings held in this place, in connection with the Christian churches here. On AVednesday, January 20, at noon, the annual meeting of tlie members and adherents of the Episcojial Church was held, in Mr. Thompson's auction mart, —the Rev. L. L. Oubitt presiding. Tlie meeting was but sparely attended. The church accounts having been presented, and duly audited, were, on the motion of Mr. R. Coates, seconded by Mr. J. P. Pduhardson, accepted and passed. Moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Dr. Sissons, and carried, "That Mr. E. C. Jenkins be parishioners' chiirchwarden for the ensuing year." The Chairman then nominated Dr. Sissons as ministers' warden. Moved by Mi\ C. H. Reid, seconded by Mr. P. Gordon, and carried, "That the vestry consist of nine members." The following gentlemen were then elected vestrymen :—Captain Macken, Messrs. Reid, McKean, Day, Beddington, Gordon, and Mair. Moved by Dr. Sissons, seconded by Mr, Hutchinson, and carried, " That Mr. R. Thompson be auditor." Moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mr. McKean, and carried, "That for the year ISBI tlie sum of £75 be guaranteed towards tlie minister's stipend." Moved by Dr. Sissons, seconded by Mr. Jenkins, and carried, "That Mr. Coates be in charge of the finances in connection with the services held in the Kamo Hall." Proposed by Captain Macken, seconded by Mr. Richardson, and carried, "That the thanks of the congregation be conveyed to the wardens, choir, and all officials connected with the working of the church." A discussion here took place on the burial question, from which it transpired that, as far back as November,' J 567, a resolution was passed havingdistinct reference

to "certain privileges to . W enjoyed by members of the' Episcopalian communion. : As years wore on this; resolutionwas "fbuad , to be : not' sufficiently explicit,, and in* 1875 an amendment was. passei" That members of the .Episcopalian- (Church, Whangarei, ;be: understood to signify, members of the congregations and their familie?," and the outcome of Wednesday's discussion was that, on the motion,.of Mr. Coates, seconded by Dr. Sissons, it ■ was carried, '*' That the following words bemadded to- the amendment of 1875, '■being subscribers ; of not less'than 10s per annum.'/ , 'InExplanation of this, it should be understood that there are certain privileges and immunities, jn connection with this . cliurch/ to yrfiicli ' its•-, members lay claim, and to which Djssenters and others are not entitled or admitted.: For instance, , : for the use ofthe burialVground' attached to the- church,. Episcopalians have to pay a much less fee than' Dissenters ;■ but yet it has been found that that there are numbers who' claim exemption from the .higher rate simply from the fact that they or their relatives have been received into the Church by baptism, but as far, as affording any practical: support to the Church of j which they profess to be.members_is. concerned; have no right to any such consideration, and it: is to meet such ' cases as these that ■ Mr. "■ Coates's amendment was intended. It is a fact that in seasons of distress ,the two who are sent for first are "the doctor arid the minister, but when the question of remuneration crops up they are just about the last that we think of. —On the motion ,o'f Mr. Thompson,' seconded by-Mr. Hutchinson,; it was agreed, "That any person being twelve months in arrears with their subscriptions-be notified that their privileges are suspended;" " \ : On Thursday evening, the members of the Presbyterian congregation held their annual meeting. The attendance was very fair., Rev. Mr. Mackintosh' presided... The meeting having been opened.by praise and prayer, Mr. J. Bell (treasurer), read the financial report, from which it appeared that after all liabilities were settled, there would-be a balance in hand of: ever £30; The report,' all thr ■ ugh, was of a most encouraging nature. ' During the past year,. the seat-holders had niore than doubled, and, as a matter'of course, the increase of worshippers rhad caused a corresponding increase jn "the : collections., The committee are greatly to. be; commended for bringing .about, this state of things. They were very fortunate in having so energetic a man: as Mr. Bell, for committee were awarded a vote of thanks, also a special vote to Mr. Bell, and ; the Chairman, "■ in conveying the thanks,of the meeting, passed a high eulogium on the energetic conduct of this gentleman.—On the motion of Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Bell, a vote of thanks was passed to the choir for their services.' The following gentlemen were then elected as a committee for the ensuing year :—Messrs. J. Bell, J. T. Reyburn, W. Simpson, J. I. Wilson, J. D. McKenzie, C. Storey, j. Carruth, and W, Bain. The Chairman announced that negotiations were pending which, if brought to.fruition, would have the effect of locating amongst us Mr. McLennan (a student), recently arrived from Edinburgh, iii which case the Whangarei congregation would have two services every Sunday, as would also the Kaurihbhori congregation. A vote of thanks having been accorded to the Chairman, the meeting was closed by praise, and the pronouncing of the Benediction.—[Own correspondent, January 31.]