ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3471, 27 July 1899, Page 2

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GERALDINE.

TO TIIE EDITOR. Sir, —I have read with great interest your able report of tha meeting of St. Mary's Church, Geraldine. A few remarks that I made about the requirements of a church building at Orari might, perhapß, also have been mentioned. First, that Orari is one of the largest of the country school districts (108 ou the roll), aud that there are 40 families belonging to the Church of England ; second, that the schoolroom, being a divided building, is not large enough or suitable for church purposes ; third, that Mr Bnrtrum's re marks that the of the church at the Valley should deter the buildings of other country churches were quite out of place. Mr Bartrum should know that Orari is the centre of a large district, whora*s the Valley is purely a woiked-out bush—an abandoned township. Our late vicar, who had the interest of the whole district at heart, was very anxious for tha erection of a church at Orari. Hitherto the great press of work the Anglican clergy has had to contend vith has thrown the onus of tha education (religious,; of our large young co nmunity almost entirely on the Methodist pTsnauior, who have earned the best thanks of the community for their unremitting labors. Surely it, is time that the Anglican Church should take hor share in the great work, and the parishioners in general should assist—not hinder—the efforts of their vicar, and provide aooie suitable building.—Yours, etc., A. W. Ensok. Orari, 24th July. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —On reading your report of the meeting of parishioners of St. Mary's Anglican Church, Geraldine, the most important motiou seems to have been embodied iu Colonel Moore's proposition and Mr Elisor's atneudmen f . : reposition —" That the new vicara:e boat once proceeded with ;" amendment church-room at Geraldine and church at Orari should receive first consideration." Ought not the voting on snch important issues to have been carefuHy taken 1 The Ayes aud the Noes pepara*ely counted 'I It is the opiuiou of several -parishionors present that, not counting the ladies' votes (who have no vote iu church matters), the Ayes carrried their motion —the amendment.—l am, etc., Anglican. Geraldin*, 24th July, 1899.