HALCOMBE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11113, 1 December 1914, Page 8

HALCOMBE.

From Our Own Correspondent, Our Methodist friends celebrated their anniversary on Sunday, 23nd November. On the following Monday the usual tea and public meetings were held, both functions proving very successful. The resident minister, the Rev. Coatsworth, presided over the evening’s proceedings and suitably introduced an attractive programme, which consisted of “Chairman’s Remarks,” during which the rev. gentleman apologised - for the absence of the Revs. Murray and Jones and expressed the pleasure he (the chairman) felt in seeing so many present on this, his first anniversary in Haloomhe. He was also gratified to know that cordial relations existed ' between

minister and congregation, and he hoped tney would continue to the end. The musical portion of the pleasant proceedings was opened by the church choir under the leadership of Mr Couch, aud during the evening they’contrihnted a number of selections that won deserved applause from those present. A song by Miss Pitcher and a cornet solo by Mr Smith were well received. A violin and organ duet (Miss Duncan and Mrs J. Fergusson) was much appreciated, and a repetition demanded. Mr Couch and Mr J. Fer-

gusson contributed a vocal duet, and Mrs W, Williams a song, both items being applauded. Miss Lottie Eichler, and another lady whose name I failed to ‘catch, sang a duet, and Miss Duncan was encored for her charming violin selection. During the evening the secretary and treasurer, Mr W. Ferguson, presented his report and balancesheet. and botfr were considered highly satisfactory. The report told of the churcn work done and the congregation’s appreciation of the Rev. Coatsworth’s ready assistance. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £47 12s 6d, but this was more apparent on paper than real as £7l had since been spent on repairs to the parsonage and other nroes ary work. One thousand “Kia Ora” cookery books had been printed at a cost of £sl 12s 6d. Thirteen pounds odd was received for advertisements. Only 300 copies of this very useful cookery book had been sold; the sale had not been pushed owing to the war claims upon the purses of the people. ‘‘When this cruel war is over” car owners had kindly promised to motor the sales committee round the districts. The central item of the evening’s programme was an address by the Rev. Keall of Sanson upon the subject of “Compensation,” which was present, if not always apparent, in all life’s

troubles. Cordial thanks were accorded the lecturer, choir, organist (Mrs J. Fergusson) who travelled far to help, the ladies who provided and dispensed the tea, the contributors to the evening’s programme and all who had assisted to make their annual gathering such a marked success.

I was pleased to see in your columns Mr Birch’s British protest against the unjust suspicion and treatment of our proved German friends and loyal fellow settlers. A short time ago I used this pen in defence .of the Germans in and about Halcomhe whom I have known for many years as honest and industrious New Zealanders, who are prepared to protect this country of their adoption against any foe no matter of what colour or country, and in my opinion, it is more tnan cruel and provocative to permit such paragraphs as *he following to appear in our public prints, no matter what the ultra suspicious may think:—“lt seems from reports that reach town as if the Defence Department should send an officer to Haicomne to “lay” the strong proGerman feeling that some of the residents there are at no pains to evince. There will be a riot there presently if the German spirit is net suppressed.” Since my last we have had several heavy rain showers which were followed by "winds-strong and cold, consequently there has been little growth in garden nor field crops.

The fine farm 1 mentioned in my notes as having been purchased by Mr O’Donohue has again changed hands, the present owner being Mr Oollyer, of Masterton, who, I understand, intends to go in extensively tor dairying. The progress of the war is of absorbing interest, so much so indeed that it is difficult to get up anything like the political enthusiasm that has heretofore preceded a general election. Those engaged in the contest together with the pronounced partisans are no doubt keyed up, but the bulb of the voters appear to me to'be a pathetic and they want wakiug up and made couscious of their responsibilities. Hd or she who can get to the polling booth and fails to record his or her vote on the 10th inst. will have no right to giumble if in their estimation, things political go wrong. Mr John 'Morrison’s local supporters—who, I’m assured, aie in the rhayority here—are becoming daily more cocfideut of that gentleman’s success,'while the sceptical recognise that though he has a hard course to cover he will finish well past the distance post.