FIFTY YEARS.

Wairarapa Age, 5 August 1930, Page 5

FIFTY YEARS.

KURIPUNI METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL CONCLUSION OF JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS. YOUNG PEOPLE’S RALLY. The fiftieth jubilee celebrations of the Kuripuni Methodist SundaySchool were concluded last evening, when a Sunday School and young people’s demonstration was held. There was a large attendance of the public, the Rev. E. D. Patchett, chairman of the Wellington Connexional District, presiding, and with him were associated the Bevs. E. O. Blamires and W. Beckett. Thy Rev. S. J. Campbell (CongregaJk Church) conveyed the congratuof his church upon the achievement and work of the Kuripuni Methodist Church, stating that he was very pleased to be present on such an occasion. He said there was a great future for the church, which had many possibilities for its work among the young people. The Rev. R. Dickie (Lansdowne Presbyterian Church) said he came with the greetings of the Presbyterian Church on the occasion of the jubilee celebrations. He admired the way in which the Methodist Church offered laymen such opportunities to take an active part in the teaching of the Gospel, and alsd the way in which music was used to express its religious feelings. The Rev. E. D. Patchett said he was very pleased to be with them that night to take a small part in the jubilee. He was delighted to hear the singing of the children that night and also the recitations given by them. Hi nee he had been in his present position he had not paid an official visit to Kuripuni. He had a great reverence in his heart for little country churches because he came from a little country nlchurch in Canterbury. There the greater happenings of his young manhood took place. It was worth while remembering their debt to the past—to the pioneers—upon whose foundation they stood and would go on building. Mr. Patchett emphasised the need for a good foundation of religious education. He believed that the church and the Sunday school were essential things in the life of the children. Mr. Patchett had a word or two to say to the boys and girls and expressed his thanks for being invited to take part in the jubilee. He congratulated the minister, the Rev. H. Dyson, and Mrs. Dyson, to whom much credit for the success of the jubilee was due. The Rev. H. Dyson made reference to the souvenirs which had been prepared for the occasion. A number of items, which were highly appreciated, were rendered by a specially trained young people’s choir under the eonductorship of Mr. A. ■Williams and many of the choir members gave amusing recitations. A?r ceremony was the cutting of a beautiful birthday cake, presented by Miss C. McKenzie. An old teacher, Mr. C. Beale, lit the fifty candles, and Mr. W. Shute, the first pupil of the school, cut the cake. The boys and girls were later entertained at supper. The Rev. E. M. McLevie, representing the Anglican Chureh. addressed the children during supper. A model of the old brickyard, where the first Sunday School was started, was made and presented to the school by Mr. Edward Jones.