WAKEFIELD PAROCHIAL DISTRICT.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13412, 9 May 1912, Page 3 (Supplement)

WAKEFIELD PAROCHIAL DISTRICT.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

(From "Tho Colonist," April 26.)

The annual meeting of parishioners of the parochial church district of W:*kefio>kl was held in the Sunday school on the 23rd inst. The Vicar ('Rev. O. R. Hewlett) opened with prayer .The Rev. Curio was also present. Mr. Goorgo Robertson, people's churchwarden, presented the balance sheet, which was adopted Mr. F. B. Peart read the churchwardens' report, and Mr. Hodgson tho Sunday school report, both of which were adopted. The- Vicar named Mr. F. B. Peart as his churchwarden.

Mr George Robertson was re-appointed people's churchwarden. Tho following vestry was elected, after a ballot: Dr. W. R. Pearle&s, and Messrs. Stephen Mockett and Campbell Bird. The following were e'ected Synodsmen: Mr. J. S. Rutherfurd (for Wakefiold), Dr. Jas. Hudson (for Upper Motueka Valley), and Mr. Walter Thorn (for Dovcdale). Votes of thanks wero passed to all church workers and helpers. The Vicar, and the Rev. Mr. Curio were thanked for the manner in which they had carried out their work throughout the extensive parish.

During the evening the ladies dispensed refreshments to all present. The following is the churchwardens' report: —"A review of the operations of this large parish for the past year shows that the work of the church has boon well maintained, and to a certain degree extended ; i.e., services have been held during the year at Blue Glen and Rainy River, and twice at the Baton. These ryfforts have been much .appreciated by the settlers concerned. Congregations generally have improved an-d the number of communicants increased. During the year there have been 35 baptism? 23 persons confirmed, 15 marriages, and 15 burials.; also there have been .~-o cr-! - brations, of the Holy Communion with 1.100 receptions. A church bell ba-s been i erected at St. Andrew's, and Stanley Brook, chiefly through the kindly holp of the R-ey. F. Moon. A new organ .Has boon obtained for St. Luke's, at Foxhlli and the churchyard at St. John's. Wakefield, improved by ■coven concrete steps.and the asphalting of some path-s. Wq have now in hand and promised £270 towards the- erection of a chinch nt Tadmor, which we hope will shortly bo taken in hand. The various Sunday schools are prospering under tho ere of an excellent staff of teachers. Three 'mridals and certificates; of merit'wore obtained at Wakefield at the recent Diocesan examination, the winner* of tl'o medals being. Winifred Gibbs, E'<:a Hodgson, arid Gladys Kelling: 'Use Vicar continues to hold, regular w^b'y classes (from 8.30 to 9 a.m.) in tho State school, and at the last examination Jean Pearless obtained tho highest inr'kn. Our many lay readers continue their good and faithful work. During the past year wo have lost the servV-es of two of our lay brethren, viz.. Mr.rr>rr> Herbert Innes-Jones and J. S. Rutl^rfurd who have left the district. The "past year has claimed from c-ur mid'-t no less than .seven of the old pioneer settlors, viz., Edmund Wale Roberts, William James Kinaett, Francis Hooper. John Smith, Thomas' Brock. Edward Rurge-and James Chandler. To their friends and relative we tender our do^nest sympathy. Last Advent -season, the Rev. G. H.Curio, of Sfc Jolin's, Tilbury, London, was ordained assistant miruKter to this parish by Bishop Mules, •>'><■] camfi to us on the Ist February. We gladly welcome him among us, and earnestly trust that by the blessing of God his ministrations and help may bo a means of uplifting xis all. In conclusion we desire to thank our..Vicar, tin* 11-cv.

Mr. Curie, and alii of our large army of workers.in the parish, and .pray that the work of God in our midst ma"y continue to prosper. The- Wakefield balance sheet shows our receipts and • expenditure) to have been £2J-3 17s 7d, resp- ct-i-oly. At Foxhill receipts wero £36 17s OJd and expenditure £35 9s O-Jd."