PAPAROA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6692, 30 April 1883, Page 5

PAPAROA.

The Wesleyan Conference, held last January, finally decided that the Paparoa circuit should take a married minister this year. The circuit, considering itself unentitled for another year, was altogether unprepared for this emergency, having neither house nor funds for building. The Conference had decided that the Rev. C. Abernethy, who was anticipating marriage, should remain in the circuit, and be our first married minister. But -what should be done to provide a home for him? It was impossible, without incurring a debt of £300 to £400, to build a suitable house, such as would be approved .. by the Conference, and the stewards found themselves in a difficult position. At this crisis, Mr. Redfern offered his house, a snug little dwelling of feur rooms, for one year, at a rental of £15. This was accepted as a dernier resort; and for several weeks past preparations have been goiDg on for the recept on of the newlymarried couple. To most of us the late Miss Shorland was an entire stranger ; and many were the speculations as to what kind of a person Mrs. Abernethy would be. A lady in her position, when she enters upon her duties, occupies delicate ground, for she has everybody to please, and is expected to be able to do everything ; but from the little we have seen of Mrs. Abelnethy we do not fear but that she will make her way in the esteem and affection of the Paparoa people.

At the season of the year when the ministers change their circuits the annual trust meeting is held, and this time it \va3 arranged to take place directly after the return of Mr. Abernethy with his bride. The usual tea wa9 provided by Mesdames Slater, Spick, Hames, Cliff, G-. Cliff, T. Nield.Miss Birtlea, and Miss Tronnson. The weather being uucertain and the roads Dad, there were fewer present than is generally the case, the proceeds from the tea amounting to £6 7s 6d, and yet a very pUasant evening was spent. After the devotional exercises, Mr. Wilson was called to the chair, and the , tenor of his remarks wa3, let there united ' effort on the part of all—"along pull.astrong pull, and a pull altoeether," with the reponsibilities in prospect.—Mr. Spick read the report of the trust fund, which showed, an outlay of a little over £19, and receipts, including the takings of the day, about £16, or £3 deficit. —Mr. Trounson spoke of the power of religion in Methodism, in elevating its possessor, and training to usefulness.— The Rev. W. Gittos referred to the responsibilities of the circuit relative to the married minister, and of ways and means for getting the money required for the minister's house. He also took occasion to more a hearty welcome and congratulations to 2»lr. and Mrs. Abernethy, which were carried by acclamatfon.—The Rev. A. Riding pressed the importance of personal and family devotions, and especially remembering as the Throne of Gracc those who devote themselves to God's work. The Rev. C. Abernethy wished to return thanks on the part of Mrs, Abernethy and himself; and after explaining Methodist usage with regaid to the parson, age, &.c., which he hoped to see ready for his successor, concluded by asking the sympathy and prayers of all Christian frienj 3> Several of the Manngatoroto ' nen^s n dly favoured ns b> singing Nos. 395 and 400 in Sankey's collection, Mrs. Abernethy accompanying on the harmonium. A'terthe asual vote of thanks, the meeting closed with the doxologyand benediction. The nominations for membership for the incoming Road Board a:e : Messrs. Slater, G. Nield, Barton, Wilson, G. Cliff, Gerrand, Tibbits, and Hook.—[Own Correspondent, April 21.]