CHEVIOT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4880, 20 February 1894, Page 3

CHEVIOT.

[FBOM OUB OWN CORBEBPONDBHT.] The Primitive Methodist Church, which is the first erected in the district, haa been completed, and on Saturday evening it was opened with tbe usual ceremony— speeches, coffee, cake, buns and other itemj. The weather had a threatening appearance, and this doubtleas prevented many from attending, while publicity in the scattered district could not'be widely given. Abont thirty persons were present. The speakers for the evening were the Revs J. Dawson (who occupied the chair), J. N. Buttle (Wesleyan minister, Sydenham), and E. Drake, who has been appointed to tlie Cheviot charge. The church is of wood, with iron roof, and itß dimensions are 30ft by 18ft. Chairs are provided in place of forms, and there is seating accommodation for seventy. Four large Rocheeter lamps are suspended throughout the building for lighting. The cost of the building wa? about £120. Messrs Stokes aud Goo-hind, of Ohri.tcburch, were the builders, and have done thoir work in a highly satisfactory manner. The Chairman took for hia subject "Our Church." He said tbat when settlers were coming with the land fever, others coming for work, and ali BeekiDg to make homes for themselves, they should not neglect their highest nee_, not only for this lifo but that which is to come. The Rev J. N. Buttle paid the requirements of a district were not completely met till they had religious institutions in their midst. There wag nothing influenced the character of a settlement so much &a the character of the early settlers. In time the Cheviot would become tho centre of a large population, and other ministers would be located there. Ihe Chairman, in introducing the Rev E. Drake as the minister appointed for Cheviot, taid Mr Drake had recently come from England, so that we had a new minister, in a new church, in a new district. The Rev E. Drake said he believed the church should be the leader of social and political reforms, and that social problems would not be solved till we had capitalists and workmen united in religion. The church ehould also be the educator of truth and morals. We should have a clear idea of truth, as there are so many new fangled theories abroad. The politics of the Sermon on the Mount should be the politics of the nations. It was announced that services would be held every Sunday at 7 p.m ; also that a Sunday school would be conducted from 2.30 to 3.30. Voteß of thanks were passed to the speakers, the ladies for providing, Mr and Mrs Bruce for their kindness in having placed their dining-room at the disposal of ministers for holding aerviea when they visited the distriot, the builders of the church, and all who had aßaisted. Mr Drake is to hold a day school on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Ho gives his services gratis, and his kind offer will, no doubt, be availed of by the parents of children. Judging by the number of children in tho district at present I am surprised that no effort has been made to get a school and teacher. Altbough there might not be quite the number of children required to open a school, thero can be no doubt that, as the district will soon be settled, there would shortly be a sufficient attendance to ensure the erection of a building. The Rev J. N. Buttle, representing the Wesleyans, held service at Gore Bay and Marchlaw on Sunday. Monthly service s have been arranged by this denomination, and next month the Rev — Strange iB to visit the district. The township is still progressing, though slowly. Timber is not coming to hand as rapidly as required, which is a drawbaok. A two- storey building has been erected for a saddlor, and the concrete foundations are in for a store 50ft x 20ft, for Mr Robinson. A new blacksmith's shop has been created, and a blacksmith has started business at -Hurunui. Port Robinson still presents a busy appearance, and it is not an unusual thing to see a dozen teams loading there. I notice that Mr John Sinclair has been gazetted harbour - master of our port. Cheviot is favoured with obliging officials in the above gentleman and Mr J. S. Toung, postmaster. The balance of the estate, about 50,000 acres, is to be opened for disposal under the various systems on March 5. This should lead to a large influx of new settlers, and consequently more work for tradesmen and increased business for merchants.