MISSION HALL AT HOMAI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21225, 4 July 1932, Page 11

MISSION HALL AT HOMAI.

OPENING CEREMONY HELD.

The new Methodist Church mission hall at Homai, known as the Griffin Memorial Mission Hall, was formally opened on Saturday afternoon *by Mr. J. N. Massey, M.P. for Franklin. The Rev. J. F. Martin, of the Papakura circuit, who presided, referred to the work of the late Rev. J. W. Griffin, who had given a lead to the movement culminating in the opening ceremony that afternoon. Mr. Griffin, who had settled at Homai in his retirement, had commenced services in a small shed, and under his guidance a site had been acnuired for the erection of the hall, said Mr. Alartin. In a short time sufficient funds had been wised to complete the purchase of the site, and the building had been erected by voluntary labour. In declaring the hall open, Mr. Massey spoke of the excellent work the Churches were doing in seeking to relieve distress in the country. He was hopeful that the conferences at Lausanne and Ottawa would mark the turning point 111 economic conditions and open up a more prosperous era for New Zealand. Mr. A. J. Stallworthy, M.P., the Rev. F. B. Dobson, of Manurewa, and Mr. C. A Fawcett, chairman of the Manurewa Town Board, also spoke. A short musical programme was given, and afternoon tea was served. As yesterday marked the end of the fourth year since the commencement of the movement to secure a mission hall, special anniversary services were held. At the morning service the minister was the Rev. J. F. Martin, and in the evening the Rev. E. D. Patchett, president of the New Zealand Methodist Conference, con- | ducted the service.