PARISH MEETINGS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 698, 6 May 1916, Page 14

PARISH MEETINGS.

ST. PAUL'S, TAI TAPU. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Paul's Chureh was held in tho Tai Tape Public Han, the vicar (Rev. F. B. Redgrave) presiding over a largo gathering. The report of the year's work showed quiet progress in nearly all departments of church work. A lay-reader had been obtained, who came from town to take services, thus enabling the parishioners to have more frequent services, whilst well-attended -week-night intercession services had been held. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £9 18/3,- which was considered very satisfactory, as the church had been painted and thoroughly renovated during the year. Mr Geo. Witte, for the twentieth successive year, was appointed as vicar's warden, whilst Mr .lames Willan was chosen by the parishioners as their representative. The following vestrymen were elected: —Messrs 11. JBing, T. Champion, H. Davis, 11. Hanschild, G. Stanbury, E. Witte, and the Hon. R. H. Rhodes, M.P. After the business had been concluded, the meeting resolved itself into a very successful social gathering. ST. STEPHEN'S, SHIRLEY. The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Stephens was held on Tuesday, when about 50 parishioners were present. The vicar, the Rev. L. Hard, presided. The report and balance-sheet were 'adopted. Mr Kenneth Matheson was nominated as Bishop's warden, and Mr R. S. Pearson was elected people's warden. The following vestry was appointed:— Messrs T. W. Sutton, Davis, Owers, Rostron, Joll, Morgan, C. Smith, Burns, Mathews, and*Scobble. The following ■were elected a School Committee:—• Mesdames Blank and Pearce and Messrs Sutton and Morgan. The usual votes of thanks were carried, and the meeting then took the of a social. BEACH CHURCH, NEW BRIGHTON. The annual meeting of parishioners was held int.he Public School on Thursday evening, the vicar presiding. The churchwarden's report stated that, owing to a probability of financial stringency being caused by the war, the vestry had abandoned their intention of building a new church until after the war was over. The introduction of the envelope system had been a success. A section at New Brighton had been purchased by the Church Property Trustees as a site for a future church, and a branch of the Sunday School had been opened at North Brighton. A deficiency of £l7 10/1, shown by the balance-sheet, had been a matter of regret, anil disappointment to the vestry. The vestry wished to congratulate the vicar on his being sufficiently recovered from a serious illness to be able to preside at the meeting. They also wished especially to acknowledge the valued success of Archdeacon Gosset in conducting the church services during the vicar's absence through illness. The balance-sheet of the Breeze's Road Mission Church was read, showing a successful year and a credit balance of £2. The report of the Beach Church Building Fund showed £!KiO in hand. The vicar nominated Mr W. Miles as his churchwarden. The following gentlemen were then elected for nomination to the Bishop as parishioners' warden and vestrymen:—Messrs Kibblewhite, Bargrove, Winny, Blakeway, Sprosen, Schmidt, Bishop, Langford, Ashley, Wilson, and Henderson. A vote of sympathy with Mrs Mathias in her long illness, coupled with an expression of pleasure at the improvement in her health, and a hope that she would soon be well again, was carried. Votes of thanks to church workers and to the ladies for providing refreshments terminated the meeting.

ST. JAMES'S, SOUTHBRIDGE. The annual meeting of parishioners of St. James's Church, Southbridge, was held on Wednesday evening, the vicar (the Rev. H. G. Hawkins) presiding. Tho statement of accounts showed a credit of £23 15/10, but there were liabilities amounting to £lB 8/4. A report on church affairs for the year was presented by Mr R. B. B. Willis. The report stated that, although the church building fund was hardly ever mentioned or even thought of in this time of stress and trouble, yet it was slowly but surely growing larger. There was a sum of over £7OO in the bank bearing interest. The report concluded by thanking all who had helped with church work, including the vicar and Mrs Hawkins, for never-failing kindness and help. The Sunday School balance-sheet showed a credit of £5 0/10. The vicar nominated Mr A. Greenwood as Bishop's warden, and other officers were elected as follow:—People's warden, Mr R. B. B. Willis; vestry, Messrs A. J. Inwood, J. S. Jnwood, •J. W. A. Walker, R. Rowe, J. S. McClelland, G. A. Marsh, B. G. Hubbard, H. Sutton, J. S. Chapman, C. Greenwood, and J. Moorhead; treasurer, Mr W. Scott; auditor, Mr Wm. Inwood. It was agreed that the vestry should go into the. question of the probable cost of a new church suitable for the Southbridge district, and consider the question of improved lighting of the church at present in use. The usual votes of thanks were passed, and the ladies provided supper.