COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6565, 1 December 1882, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

FLAT BUSH. The opening soiree of the new Wcsleyan Chapel was quite an event in this district on Wednesday, and drew together a large and enthusiastic number. Representatives were present from Auckland, Newmarket. Mount Albert, Grafton Road, Onehunga, Otahulin, and Maugere, who were cordially welcomed by the residents in the district. The church is very pleasantly situated on an elevated site and in a central position. A building has been erected at a cost o; a little over £250, the dimensions being 33 by "2'2 feet, is very nicely finished both inside and out, and its neat and comfortable appearance reflects credit oil the designer and builder. It will seat comfortably about 11,1, though nearly 200 persons must br.ve been squeezed together on Wednesday evening. The place was tastefully decorated with ferns and flowers. Tile trays were provided, and verv liberally too, by Mesdames Bryant. Cra-:o, Whitton, Fothergtfl, Manischha, jjovaird, and Misses Bryant and Crago. After tea the general meeting was held. Mr. Wilson was called to the chair, and a lengthy programme was entered upon, the principal speakers being the Revs. Macky, Oliver, Watkin, Bond, and Messrs. Burton, Bvcroft, and Hogg. There is a debt of about £120 to be liquidated. An interesting- part of the proceedings was the music provided by the choir, which was well done, and much indebtedness was felt to the friends who had devoted themselves to make their part a decided success. A number of native lads from the Three Kings Institution were present and sang several hymns in a most creditaMj manner. The meeting broke up a little after ten o'clock, the tone of the meeting being elevating and pleasant all through. HUXUA. The monthly Sabbath evening service was held here on Sabbath last, the 26th November, when the Kev. T. Xorrie preached to a I good attendance, and on the Monday follow- | ing lie attended the day -school, and imparted religious instruction to thirty children. The Sabbath-school, superintended by Mr. Reid, the respected day-school teacher, continues to be well attended ; and Mr. Keid also conducts Divine service monthly, thus ; making fortnightly services, which have I been held and fairly attended with unfailing ! regularity all through the past winter, in I spite of the terrible state of the roads, and the severe weather. The roads are now good, but it is earnestly hoped that somt substantial improvement may be made before another winter. When the roads were at the worst, we were cheered to see in t!u Wkeklv Xtw.s that £2~io were promised lot road improvements by the Government, am" our hope still is that that sum mny be soot well spent. Some improvements have beet made, but as yet we have been more indebtet to the good weather than to either Govern nient or Highway Board. -[A Correspondent.'] DRURY. Tiik Rev. T. Xorrie preached in the Pres byterian Church here oil Sabbath, the November, to a large attendance of resident; of Drury and settlers from surrounding districts, the commodious building being cjuitf full. The Communion was dispensed t<: forty-two communicants, Messrs. T. B. Young and J. Mnir beitic; present as officiating elders. The church is greatly improved in appearance by being painted, and other improvements are still contemplated in regard to the fencing of the grounds, and especially the cemetery.—f A Correspondent/ PAPARATA valley. We had a visit from the Rev. T. Norrre or Monday, the '27th November. He conducted short services at the farm-houses of Mr Xobbs and Mr. J. S. Wilson. Some of oui young people go to the Hunua Church or Sabbaths but we are hoping that we maj have still an occasional week-day servici here. —[A Correspondent.]