WAIKOUAITI NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12415, 26 July 1902, Page 11

WAIKOUAITI NOTES

(Prom Our Own Corbkspondent.! July 24. Oil the invitation of the Rev. J, J, Cairney the members of the choir of the Presbyterian Church and the.teachers of the Sunday School met at a social gathering in the vestry of thj church on the 13th inst. There were about 30 present, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, solos being given by Misses Valentine, Martin, Falconer, and M. Valentine, and Messrs Stewart, Wilson, and Gibson, and a recitation by Miss M'Dougali, Mr Cairney, in a short speech, complimented the choir on its efficiency, saying it compared favourably even with some of the city churches, and this was largely due to the manner in which Mr Kerr conducted and Mra Kerr accompanied the singing. He also thanked the Sunday School teachers for their services. He knew their work entailed a considerable amount of self-denial, and as it was impossible for him to be present at the school, he was glad to feel he left it in competent hands. He therefore availed himself of this opportunity of acknowledging their kind services. Corporal J. P. Brown, of Goodv.-ood, who served in the Sixth Now Zealand Contingent,, wasi accorded a social on his return from South Africa on Friday last; 18th inst., in Mr Kennedy's woolshed, Pleasant Valley, There were close on 200 people present. Mr Allcock (Mayor of Hawksbury) opened the proceedings by welcoming the corporal on behalf of those present. Dancing was then indulged in, and later on the Mayor, in a congratulatory specch, said there was a presentation to be made, and he called on a little girl (Miss Hannah Stewart), who, amidst applause, handed to the corporal a handsome gold albert chain nnd pendant, suitably inscribed, as a token of regard from the residents of the district. Various songs and other items were rendered by friends during the evening, refreshments being provided in abundance by Mr W, Williams, the caterer. A pleasant time was experienced by all, and the meeting broke up at 4 o'clock next morning. The adjourned annual meeting of the parishioners of St. John's, Waikouaiti, was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening, the vicar (the Rev. C. A. Praer) presiding, and there was a good attendance. The statement showed total receipts, inclusive of balance of £6 13s 3d from last year, to bo £195 5s 4d, and the expenditure £189 14s Id, leaving a credit balance of £5 Us 3d. The Chairman pointed out that the different items of revenue wero about the same as last year, and that the other-' churches connected with the parish all Bhowed credit balances. Mr B. Halletfc was then appointed vicar's warden and Mr T. Allcock people's warden. The election of vestrymen resulted in the following being elected:—Messrs A. Heckler, W. Graham, E. Davis, P. Heckler, and J. A. Townseud. While the votes were being counted Mr Fraer made some remarks on the spiritual aspect of the parish work. The following resolutions were afterwards carried:—

•" That the Sunday schoolroom be no longer let for dancing classes; that it be a recommendation to the vicar and synod representatives to advocate that the franchise in church matters be extended to female members of the church; and that the vestry devise a scheme for keeping the graveyard in better order than at present." 1 he usual votes of thanks to the various churcliv.'orkers were then passed, and the meeting resolved itself into a social gathering, Miss Etta Templcton opening with a piano solo fantasie. The Rev, A. Neild, of Schvyn College, gave an address to members of the church reminding them that they were an association banded together (1) for mutual prayer, (2) to offer to God the. best worship possible and (3) for the common study of God's will and God's word. Songs were contributed by Mr Johnston, " The deathless army "; Miss Orltnev, " Abide with me"; and Mr Stewart, "Apart." After ten and cake had been handed round the meeting closed with the singing of the doxology. The Mayor has called a public meeting, to be held in ihe council chambers on Tuesday evening next, to arrange for the proper celebration of Coronation Day.

WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS is better than whisky, and far safer.

THE AGRICULTURAL HALL. TO THE EDITOR. Sip.,—Re tlic proposed altering of the above hall into a theatre, how does this affect the Harbour Board? If I remomber rightly, the company was granted a certain portion of land at a peppcrcorn rental on which to build a hall for -tho Advancement of agricultural, dairying, and other farming interests. The converting of tho' hall into a theatre defeats the purpose for'which it was originally intended. It is current talk that over £1000 yearly is expected in rents from theatrical companies.''Will this go to the shareholders, or will the Harbour Board receive an increased rental? or can the Harbour Board sanction tho alterations? —1 am, etc., Argus.