TRIALS OF A VICAR.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XX, Issue 5129, 7 May 1915, Page 5

TRIALS OF A VICAR.

THE ARCHDEACON’S ADVICE.

NOT TO TOUCH FINANCE.

The Vicar of Pahiatua (the Rev. L. H. Fenn) must have realised more than ever Last evening the truth of the old saying “The harvest is great and the labourers are few.” When, the time came for the appointment of officials to certain honourable and responsible positions he intimated he would nominate a gentleman who was absent as vicar’s warden. No one in the room was found willing to accept the office of parishioners’ warden. Like those who were bidden to the marriage feast of long ago, each and everyone made excuse. Mr G. G. Taylor was emphatic in characterising it as a disgrace.

Earlier in the evening, the Vicar, in referring to the financial aspect, stated that when he consented to come to Pahiatua he had been warned by the Archdeacon that the parish was a one and told him not to touch finance as his hands would be full up with the other work. The finance, he had been advised by the Archdeacon, was the work of the laity. Upon the death of Mr J. P. Douglas, people’s warden .no successor could be found for the office, and he (the Vicar) liad had to look after the accounts, with the assistance of Air J. D. C. Crewe (vicar’s churchwarden), but he thought he ought not to do it. Subsequently, the Vicar expressed disappointment at the meeting failing to elect a people’s warden. He was quite sure it was not because of any animosity towards himself, as he was on good terms with all the men folk, and he did not think either there was any ill-feeling towards any of the vestry, or the church itself. The congregations had been well sustained, and the services had been exceptionally hearty. If the office was not filled another minister would have to be found to take charge of the parish, because the position was untenable. He would have to advise the Archdeacon of the position and they would have to act on his advice. He was hoping that the Archdeacon would visit the parish shortly, in which case he would call a meeting of parishioners. He thanked them for their attendance and for the way they had eiL deavoured to overcome the difficultv.