THE VOLUNTEERS AND THE CHURCHES.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 766, 28 September 1900, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS AND THE CHURCHES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l air, sorry thai; my appointment aa chaplain to the No.' 1 Wailuto Mounted Infantry should cause the Rev. J. M. Mitchell pain. I Bhall be sincerely glad if what I have to eay will alleviate it. Why I was appointed chaplain to the corps in preference to Mr Mitchell is not known to me. I am quite sure, however, that it could not have anything to do with the corps' personal regard for Mr Mitchell. Perhaps it was because of the position which the Church of England occupies ; perhaps because the late chaplain was a churchman ; perhaps because the churchmen in the corps may possibly number more than any ot-htr denomination ; perhaps because I have been chaplain to a volunteer corps for some years past; and take a considerable interest in volunteerine (though debarred by many duties from showing it as much as I could wish). However, one morning shortly after my arrival here Captain Hume called on me and asked me to accept the position of chaplain. To this I assented, saying that though I had many associations with the College Rifles, 1 thought my first duty was to the local men. The appointment of chaplain to the corps signifies, I understand, that whenever, as a body (not as individuals), the corps desires die ministrations of religion, it is their duty to notify their chaplain and his duty to officiate accordingly. The chief reason, I suppose, why the corps parades at St. Peter's Church is because it is the place where their chaplain can most conveniently aud efficiently officiate. Until, therefore, the corps has some four more chaplains (one for every placeof public worship in Hamilton), viz., the Revs. Blamires, Buckley, Mitchell, and the officer commanding the local detachment of the Salvation Army, I hold that the corps ought to parade officially at St. Peter's, though I hold also that those members of it, who have conscientious objections to atteudiug St. Peter's, should be absolutely free to attend auy other place of worship at the time of the church parade. The question of sectarianism is rather a large one to enter on, and I hardly think it was a wise proceeding to raise it, 1, for my part, cac see nothing sectariun in any Christian in New Zealand attending the public services of " The Church of the Province of New Zealaud, commonly called the Church of England," which is a true branch of the one Primitive, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ. In maintaining my right as Chaplain to officiate on all occasions on which the corps requires as a body the ministrations of religion, I hope aa I have not been aotuated by personal motives that I have not said anything which is opposed to the principles of Christian love and harmony, and 1 trust that the Rev. J. M. Mitchell, as he loves peace and desires unity, will allow me to discharge my chaplain's duties without molestation, for by so doing I intend no insult to the Presbyterian Froo Church, which Mr Mitchell represents, nnr In any other religious denomination, but desire the spiritual welfare of tho corps aa a whole. —I am, etc., Hknby D A. Major, The Vicaraee, Hamilton, September 27th, 1900. P.S.—What has taken place in Cambridge lately may possibly be explained by the absence iu England of the chaplain of the Cambridge corps. 1 have no reason to believe that it is the custom throughout the colony, and even if it should be so without protest, it would appear to be simply an example of chaplains not understanding the rature of their commission, or being lax in maintaining it.

CAMBRIDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL

The usual mouthly meeting of the above Council was held last evening. There were present :—His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. F. Buckland), Councillors Arnold, Carr, Clark, Hoyce, Davies, Howe, Richardson and Wells. Newly-elected Councillors. The Councillors who had lately been reelected, Messrs Carr, Ferguson and Howo, made the statutory declarations before (the business was proceeded with.

The Cambridge-Tacranoa Road.— The Department of lands and Survey wrote acknowledging copy of a resolution passed by the Council to the effecct that the Kainmi Road should be completed forthwith, and asking the Government to place. £2500 on the Estimates for the purpose. The reply stated the request would oe considered wheu the estimates for the current year were being prepared.—Mr Lang, M.H.R., wrote acknowledging a copy of the same resolution, and stating he would do all poßciible to support the application.—Mr Hcrries, M.H.R.. also wrote in a similar strain, and he suggested the Waikato Farmers' Club should be asked to take action in the matter.—lt was resolved to get the Preeideut of the Farmers' Club to send a wire supporting the application.

The Water Scheme.—Notice was received that the intention of the Council to borrow £6.000 for the purpose of supplying the Borough with water had been duly gazetted. Offers to do the engineering connected with the water supply were received from Messrs Percy Ward anil C. E. Cooke, both of Auckland, but the consideration of them was deferred.

Hoarding,—Mr Tho«. Wells wrote; I am about to erect three shops on the north-west corner of lot 587, and will thank the Council for permission to erect and maintain a hoarding round the build ing site, during their construction—say two months. The hoarding would trespass on the footpath, say, 3tt 6in.—The request was granted. Weld-street.—Mr W. G. Collins wrote : 1 have been so long in trying to move you to do noinething to the approaches to my residence in Weld and Tavlor-streets, that I must now draw your attention to the fact that it is dangerous after dark for either foot or wheel traffic, and I will hold the Council liable for any accident that may occur.—Referred to the Works Committee. . A Petition.—The following petition was received :—We, the undersigned residents in the neighbourhood of Queenstreet West, respectfully call the attention to the condition of the watertable and footpath between the properties occupied by Mr Dyer and Mr Armer, and ask that as soon bs possible they may be put in order.—F. J. Brooks, J. Griffiths, W, Earl, T. Roberts. B. B, Booth, M. Ruuciman, E. Hewitt and J. H. Priestley.—This was also referred to the Works' Committee.

Overhanging Trees. —Mr Thomas Nixon wrote: Herewith I draw your attention to the trees on Mr Hewitt's property on the western side of Grey-street. The trees are overhanging it for a distance of twenty feet or more, and in wet weather they keep the street damp and also exclude the sun. This is injurious to my property on the opposite side of the street, and I therefore ask to have them trimmed off both road and footpath to the top of the trees.—This matter was likewise referred to the Works Committee, with power to act. Licensing Matins.—The Piako County Council sent a lengthy communication (a copy of which has already appeared in our columns) re endeavouring to get the preseut mode of electing Licensing Committees abolished, and the numbers of them much reduced.—As the Council had already taken action in the matter askel for," nothiug further was done in the matter. Appointment of Committees.—The following were then appointed upon the various Committees :—Finance : Crs. Clark, Ferguson,, Richardson and Wells. Cemetery: Crs. Carr, D*vies, Ferguson and Howe. Public Hall : Crs. Davieß and Wells. Works: Crs. Carr (south ward), Clatk (north ward), Davies (west ward), Richardson (east ward.) The Mayor is ex-officio chairman of all the committees.

Flooded Land.—Cr. Richardson said the Council has made a drain to relieve the SalthuiN' property of water, but it caused his paddock to be flooded when there was heavy rain, to which he should certainly object. He also asked that something should be done to Robinsonstreet, near Messrs Cooper and MaFarland's residences.—Referred to the Works Committee. Road Retails.— Cr. Howe said Clarestreet West needed attention, as it was almost impassable, aud Cr. Carr said Mr Gallagher wanted a road made to the section he had lately leased from the Council.—Both matters were referred to the Works Committee.—lt was arranged that the Works Committee should meet on Monday next at 9 a.m. to attend to the numerous matters referred to it, and to inspect the streets generally. The Cemetery.—The Cemetery Committee reported having met and inspected the cemetery. They did not consider the caretaker was keeping the grounds in anything like the order he should do for the remuneration, viz , £ls per aunuin. They also recommended that a new plan be prepared showing all the existing graves, and, where possible, giving the names of the owners of the allotments. —After some discussion the report was referred back to the committee for further information.—lt will be brought up again at the next meeting. Financial Statement.—Credit balance at bank on 27th August, £3 5s 3d ; accounts since paid, £42 6s 4d ; amounts lodged, £25 6s 3d ; present overdraft, £l3 14s lOd ; accounts oo pass, £4O 0s 6d ; overdraft when accounts are paid, £53 15s 4d. Accounts.—The following accounts were pasted for payment:—J. Webber, 2s 6d ; J. McFarlan'e 0s; clerk, £l7 ss; H. Preece, £6 12s; J. S. Bond, £1 13s 6d ; J. Cargo, £7 Is 9d ; J. H. Edwards, £4 17s 6d ; Wilkinsou aud Co., 19s lOd ; R. Brockelsby, 13s sd. Ructions. Aloug with the other accounts laid upon the table were two that had been paid in the interim, namely, J. H. Edwards £2O, and W. and J. Harris £2 10s.—The Clerk drew titteutiou tj these, saying they would have to be passed with the others.—When the Mayor moved the adoption of the financial statement, Cr. Boyce drew attention to the account preseuted by Mr Edwards, and pointed out that the greater portion of it was for furniture and thiugs that could not be bought in his (Edwards') shop. It was an evasion of sectiou 3 of The Local Bodies Contractors Act, aud also of the Municipal Corporations Act. It was humbug to say the goods were supplied by Mr Edwards, and he should proteßt mest strongly against the law being broken in that manner.-Cr. Howe said it was generally understood that the furniture came from Mr Wells', in fact it wua known that it did.—The Mayor said ho instructed the clerk to get the furniture, but did not specify wlwe it was to come from ; but he advised that they should have good ones.—The Clerk said he went to tho only place that lie believed could deliver them in time for the meeting. He ordered them from Mr Wells' cabinet-maker, Mr Reid, and they were only delivered just iu time for the meeting. He had since heard that Mr Cargo could have supplied them, but until after they were obtained be did not know that Mr Cargo dealt in furniture. He tiueerely wished that the Council would order where every pennyworth of goods should be obtained. It would relieve him of much auxiety aud trouble.— Cr. Kiohardsou said the man who proposed the resolution indemnifying the Mayor for g'.'tting the chairs, etc., was the very One who supplied them.—lt vas also pointed out that some wire ob-

tamed from Mr Cargo was charged more than Mr Edwards had charged fur a similar article; but on the other haud some of the latter'a envelopes were declared to be too dear.—There was a very heated discussion over this subject, but at length the financial statement was adopted, Crs. Boyce and Howe protesting;.—The Mayor told them they had their remedy at law. Victoria Square.—Cr. Clark said he had arranged with Mr Roberts lo graze Victoria Square with sheep accordiug to the Council's terms, and pay £2 for the year from the Ist of the month.—His action was approved and endorsed. iVents and Rates —Or. Hovve said they should have had a statement of rents arid rates owing presented at. that meeting.—The Clerk apologised anrl said that having lost the minute book by the fire and Council matters having been so taken up with the meetings re the new building, it had slipped his memory.He was ordered to present it at next meeting. This concluded what was the stormiest meeting the Cambridge Council has held for years.