MEMORIALS TO VICARS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21457, 3 April 1933, Page 11

MEMORIALS TO VICARS

SERVICES AT OTAHUHU TABLETS TO BE UNVEILED BUILDING OF NEW CHURCH . Memorial tablets to the memory of the late Canon H. Mason and the late Rev. C. B. W. Seton, two former vicars of the Otahuhu Holy Trinity Church, are to be unveiled at a special service to be held on Wednesday. The dedication service and the unveiling will be conducted by Archbishop Averill. The funds for the erection of the memorials have been specially raised by the parishioners, who have expressed a desire to honour their two former vicars, whose combined ministry extended over 26 years. Canon Masou assumed the charge of tho parish in 15)05 at the termination of Canon Gould's ministry. In 1925 ho requested to be relieved from his charge 011 account of failing health and the increasing duties and responsibilities consequent upon the rapid settlement of the parish, which includes Otahuhu, Panmure and Mangere East. Canon Mason continued in the ministry at Howiclc until his death in 1930, and, although not actively associated with the Otahuhu-cum-Panmure parish, during those years, he continued to take a deep interest in his old parish, and expressed his gratification at seeing tho new church erected to replace the old wooden building which had served tho parish needs for over 60 years. The first steps toward the replacement of the old .church were taken during Canon Mason's ministry, he having been responsible for the starting of a building fund. The building scheme was carried to fruition during the ministry of Mr. Seton, who was appointed vicar soon after Canon Mason's retirement. In 1930 Mr. Seton's health broke under the stress of his duties and he was granted six months' leave of absence. He travelled to England and died suddenly before his return. Mr. Seton was a member of the Otahuhu Borough Council for a term of two years. He was also one of the foundation members of the Otahuhu Returned Soldiers' Club and was president at the time of his death. Canon Mason was known extensively throughout New Zealand for his powers as a water diviner. Many of the public and private sources of underground water supply in the Otahuhu district were explored and established on his advice. The most notable instance is the Otahuhu Borough supply in the Mount Richmond Domain, which has been used consistently over many years. Its weekly flow is at present 4,000,000 gallons. When renaming several streets two years ago the Otahuhu Borough Council honoured Canon Mason by naming the street in which the parish church stands Mason Avenue. It was characteristic of Canon Mason that he would not accept fees for his services in locating water sources. When people insisted on making tangible recognition of his services he passed the moneys to the parish church building fund.