MANAIA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8746, 5 April 1890, Page 3

MANAIA.

[FROM OUR OWN CORIIESPONDKNT.] AruiL 4. — The opening services of the new Presbyterian church here took place on Sunday last. The church, which was designed by Mr Thomas Miller, aud built by Mr Chas Clarson, reflects the greatest credit on the architect, the builder, and the congregation, who have carried out their determination to open it free from debt. The church itself is 38ft by 22ft, with a 14ft stud. There is also a vestry at the biek lift by 12ft, and a porch in front Bft by Gft. Outside tho walls avc rusticated; inside a dado, 4ft high, runs right round the building, the rcmaidcr being matchlined. The windows are Gothic, glazed with diamond plate glass ; the ceiling, which is in the form of a half hexagon, is beautifully moulded ami pane"el ; the principal rafters visible are dressed and chumpered and supported by very handsome truss brackets let into the walls, the doors of each side of the rostrum are criuihon lined ami studded with br.iss nails, the rostrum, which measures Bft by 6t't, is enclosed by handsomely turned nuwel posts und balusters, and is also lined inside with crimson cloth, the pulpit cushion is of crimson velvet, the gift of .1 lady member of the church, the aisle runs down the centre and is 4 feet wide, two rows of ten seats bcingon each side, giving accommodation for 100 persons and by closing the seals a little, seating can be provided for another 2.") people without inconvenience Proper provision is also made for ventilation !>}• means of sway sashes and two large tnrnffrl centre pieces in the ceiling. Altogether the church is a very complete and substantially j built building. On Friday afternoon anil evening a sale of the goods left over from the late bazaar was held, including a social, addresses, instrumental and voice music, and refreshments being provided, the whole winding up with a Dutch auction, the financial result being that the pa&tor of church was able to announce on Sunday that the church ami n new organ, which the congregation sent to America for, was opened free of debt. On Sunday morning the church was preached open for public worship by the Jlev. W. Grant, of .New Plymouth, ami although it was a very wet morning a large congregation assembled. In the afternoon a dedication service was held, at which both the P.ev. Grant and the pastor of the church (the Rev. A. McLean, B.D ) were present, there was again a large congregation. In the eveuing a special thanksgiving service was held, when the chinch was crowded to excess, a large number being unable to gain admission. Mr Grant again occupied the pulpit, ami preached a very eloquent sermon. A very pleasing feature of the service was the beautiful singing of the choir, who for some weeks back have been making special preparation for these open ing services. 2so less than 25 hymns and anthems were sung during the three services, all in a very creditable manner. Miss Bobin, the church organist, as usual, did her share towards the success of the choral part of the services, the new organ, which was used for the first time, giving great satisfaction. This instrument seems to be a very superior one, of considerable compass and power. It has 18 expression stops, two knee swells, and all the latest improvements.

I see by this <neniug's Star that the committee of this Church have paid a well deserved tribute to the efficiency of their organi&t, having presented her *ith a very beautiful ice wool shawl, accompanying the presentation with a very complimentary letter, in which they expressed their appreciation of her abilities and attention to her duties. The shawl is stated to be the work of a lady in England, and was sent direct to Manaia.

Considerable discussion is taking place on the result of the readjustment of the electorates, the cutting out of Normanby from this electorate being very generally condemned. The only question the commissioners seem to have considered was to get the population required, the convenience of candidates and electors not being considered. Mr McGuire has definitely decided to contest Eginont against allcomers. It is rumoured here that several of Sir Harry's warmest supporters are anxious that he shou'd stand for some other seat (New Plymouth being suggested), aa his defeat in this district is looked upon as a foregone conclusion. The ascent of the mountain is all the Tage here, as indeed it seems to be on your .side. There are now some half dozen routes; each one has supporters, who claim that their route is the shortest, the easiest, and the most picturesque. It only requires the discovery of a route from Opunake, with the Hot Springs, to complete the circle. " Meet me on the Mountain " will soon be a matter of course when the business men of the several townships surrounding it want to meet to do a little business. Apparently it will soon take less time to run to the top and have a chat with & New Plymouthite than to go round by train.