PARISH MEETINGS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6829, 17 April 1890, Page 1

PARISH MEETINGS.

ST MARY'S, MERIVALE.

The annual mpeting of the parishioners was held in the schoolroom last evening. The Rev T. Flavell occupied the chair. The report and balance-sheet were taken as read, and on the motion of Mr William Black, seconded by Mr John Studholme, were carried unanimously. The statement of receipts and expenditure showed a great improvement on that of last year,- exhibiting as it did a further reduction of the Bank overdraft to the extent of nearly £'29. The report stated :— The Bank overdraft shows a satisfactory reduction. The balance-sheet exhibits a falling off in offertories of £20 Us 4d, while seat rents, which have been paid in full to date, show an increase of .£55 17s 6d, and parochial fund of .£33 Os 6d. On the side of expenditure, the ve3try point with satisfaction to a reduction in the item interest ou overdraft of J612 7s lOd, owing to the large amount paid off last year by means of the Meri vale lete. The vestry have to report the resignation of the organist, ilr E. E. Searell, in December last, and the appointment of Mr Clarence P. Turner to the vacant post without salary, Mr Turner having generously offered his services on those terms. Satisfactory arrangements have been made with Mr Normington to act as choirmaster. Owing to the exertions of a Committee appointed for the purpose, the musical portion of the church services has been placed on a better footing, and shows a marked improvement. The incumbent regards with great satisfaction the attendance at the men's Bible class, and the continued efficiency of the church Day School, and Sunday School, and the young people's guild. The thanks of the parishioners nre due to the lay readers, the ladies' working party, the choir, Sunday School teachers, lady visitors, and others who have rendered valuable aid to the parish. The vestry have again to record their thanks to Mr Waymouth for his continued gratuitous services as auditor. The incumbent having referred to the satisfactory finances, said the Sunday School teachers were attentive and the scholars both regular and diligent. The young people's guild was a great gratification to him. The entertainments given were as a rule of a superior order, and gave as much delight to the parents and visitors as to the children. The parish was greatly indebted to the ladies' working party for providing ineanß for the yearly treat, prizes for scholars and choristers, and a capital addition of new books to the Sunday School Library. Many pleasant evenings had been spent with the men in the adult Bible class, which he hoped would be even better attended in the future.

Mr Isaac Gibbs made a few remarks relative to the success of the church officers, and the question of paid choristers. At a subsequent period it was resolved— "That the vestry be empowered to pay choristers, providing they could not get sufficient voluntary assistance."

The election of church officers was next proceeded with. The Rev Chairman again nominated Mr W. Black as minister's warden, and Mr Isaac OHbba was also re-elected as parishioners' warden.

The following were elected as vestrymen : — Messrs C. F. Turner, J. Studholme, R. Heaton Rhodes, A. H. Allen, W. G. Rhind, A. Tjree, G. J. Meadows, W.Acton- Adams, H. C. Satchell, H. O. D. Meares.

Hearty votes of thanks were passed to the lay readers, choir, Sunday School teachers, lady visitora, ladies' working party, the verger, Mr C. F. Turner, the church officers and vestry. A like compliment to the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close.