COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15685, 12 August 1914, Page 11

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from OUR OWK cobmspondenm.l HUNTLY. PRESBYTERIAN PROGRESS. The annual meeting of the members and adherents of the,'. Huntly Presbyterian Church was held last week, the moderator of the charge, the Rev. A. Gow, of Hamilton presiding. The report on the church work for the year showed progress in all departments, tho membership showing an increase of 25. Good work was being dono in connection with tho out-stations, while the reports on tho Sunday-schools at Huntly and Ohinowai were most.satisfactory. The finances of the church proved to bo. in a \ery healthy state,, tho credit balance being in tho vicinity of £100. The following elders were appointed :—Messrs. James Shaw, sen., H. Nicholson, J. Kenson) J. McNee, J. Kerr, J. Holden, J. Andas, and P. Brown; Mr. A. Janueson for Pukemiro and Mr. G. Fergy for Ohinewai. Tho meeting decided that one-third of the number should retire .annually, but should be eligible for re-election. The following managers were appointed: —Messrs. T. Ingram, secretary, W. Shaw, treasurer, Geo.- Shaw, D. Nicholson, D. Calderwood, 0. Starr, D. Starr, W. Burt, G. Simpson, D. Patterson, T. Cochrane, and J. Stewart.

At the congregational moeting held on Tuesday evening in connection with the Presbyterian Church the members of the church showed their appreciation of the services of the organist, Miss Starr, and of the choirmaster, Mr. J. Norman, by presenting them with a beautifully-fitted dressing-case and lady's companion and * silver-mounted ebony baton respectively. The Huntly.. School. of Mines building, now almost comploted, was inspected and passed on Wednesday by Mr. Boyd Beanie, Government inspector of mines. Great satisfaction has been expressed generally with the news that the Minister for Public Works intends to include in his Authorisation Bill the extension of the railway to Burns Bridge, otherwise known as Basley's corner. The quarterly meeting of the Tanpirl Coal Mines Employees' Union was hold last week, Mr. S. Dixon presiding. On the motion of the chairman it was decided to convey the sympathy and condolences of the members to the widow and family of the late J. Berry. The balancesheet for the half-year showed a surplus/ of income, over expenditure' of £145. The report of the check inspectors was endorsed. Mr. S. Dixon was unanimously appointed check inspector, while the carting of the miners' coal was left open to any carrier. .. It was decided to hold a miners' picnic next Labour Day, and a committee, was set up to make the necessary arrangements. The meeting also resolved to institute a sick society, a committee of nine being elected to draw up rules and to report to a special meeting to be held at an early date.

CAMBRIDGE.

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Waikato Central A, and P. Association was held on Saturday, Mr. Jas. Taylor presiding. The annual report congratulated members on the unqualified success of the 1914 show. Although the financial position was 'thoroughly -sound, some, difficulty was found in keeping the income abreast of the expenditure, due largely to the slowness with which fees came in. Tlie balancesheet showed a deficit of £217. The statement of assets and liabilities showed an excess of assets amounting to £897. Discussion ensued in regard to enlisting greater sympathy on the part of the townspeople, arid otherwise conserving the finances. The suggestions offered were referred to the executive to take such action as they deemed best. One suggestion made was that a sub-committee of business men bo appointed 'to work in conjunction with tlio executive _ of ' the association. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as under:—President. Mr. Richard Reynolds; vice-president, Mr. R. Fisher; treasurer,' Mr. F. J. Brooks; auditors, Messrs. A. B. Trythall and R. W. Hunter. Over 40 members were elected to the general committee. The dato of the next show was left to the committee to fix.

A successful social was held at Manngatau'tari last week in aid of the Anglican Church funds, Mr. T. A. Hicks presiding. Those who contributed to the programme were:—Mesdamcs Cooper md Strawbridgo, Misses Hicks (2), Watkins, and E. Vosper, Messrs. Perkins, Watkins (2), Nickle. Atkins, Strawbridgo, and J. Vosper. The various competitions were won by Mrs. Ariell, Messrs. La Trobo, Hicks, and Master Hicks. • An enjoyable social was given by the pupils of the Karapiro school one evening last _ week, the main contributions being given by Elsie Price, Lily Price, Grace Norn's, Ruby Morgan, and Fred. Potts. Hie floral decorations were the work of Miss Morgan. A vote of thanks was passed to tire schoolteacher (Miss Hardy) and also to Mi?s Morgan. A bountiful supper was , provided by the parents and friends.

PAPATOETOE.

PIONEER'S DEATH.

The oldest resident of Papatootoe, Mr. Thos. Wyllie, passed away on Thursday last, at the age of 99 years. The funeral took place on Saturday, it being tho largest seen in the district. The procession contained over 60 vehicles, ami oxtended over half a mile. The service at tho grave was conducted by the Rev. Porter, pastor in charge of tho Otara Presbyterian Church", assisted by the Rev. Currio. The pastor made feeling reference to the deceased pioneer, to point to the examplo his life had been. The following telegram was received by tho relatives of tho deceased from tho Prime Minister: — "I regret exceedingly to hear that your father has passed away. Please accept the sincere sympathy of Mrs. Masscy and myself with the members of your family in your bereavement. By'tho death of your father I have lost my oldest and one of my best friends, and i feel his loss just as keenly as though one of >my own relatives had passed away." The deceased arrived in New Zealand in the, ship Jane Gifford in 1842. He leaves a family of three sons and eight daughters, and 34 grandchildren. ' *

MAUKU.

ANGLICAN CHOECH.

Tho Anglican Bishop of Auckland, Dr. A. W. Avcrill, held a confirmation service in St. Bride's Church on Friday afternoon. There were six candidates' 'for confirmation. After the service the bishop, the Rev. C. A. Vaughan, vicar of'Waiuku and Mauku, the Rov. F. Dobson, Pukekohe, and about 40 church members, were entertained to afternoon tea by Mr. and Mrs. R. Cotter, at their residence adjoining the church.