TAIHAPE NOTES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 7565, 8 May 1919, Page 3

TAIHAPE NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) TAIHAPE, May 6. Tii? anmul meeting of the parishioners of St. Margaret's Church last week

vvas one of the most successful held ; since the. advent of the present vicar. There was a good attendance, including .1 number of ladies. The Rev. W. F. , Stenfc occupied the chair. Tiie report j and balance sheet disclosed a satisfactory state of progress during the year. Votes of thanks were pas<«?d to Mr. p.nd Mrs. Studholnie fo>- their gift of the new school; to Mr. K. B. Lotman for the dedication of a new window to tlie school; to Mr. A. G. Lawson for services at the celebrations, the Sunday School teachers. Ladies' Guild, Mr G. E. Little, Mrs. Boyd and the Vicar, Rev. Mr. Stent. One of the most pleasing incidents at the meeting was the presentation of a purse of sover- v eigns to Mr. Charles Hcnricks, who has been organist and choirmaster for a number of years. In spite of innumer-, a-ble difficulties Mr Henricks has filled those positions with great ability. He is a musician of ripe experience. His work at the organ has been a pleasing J feature at all the services, and has been much appreciated by all who attended. Eulogistic references were made by the various speakers at the meeting. " Mr. I E. Loader was appointed people's warden, the previous holder of the office stating that he was willing to continue the oflk-e, but unless lie was elected unanimously he would withdraw, which he accordingly did, his action causing considerable comment.

There was one matter mentioned by Mr. Fookes, one of the newly elected councillors, at n nublie meeting last week—the absence of a decent library in the town. Certainly we have a library, but it is no credit to us. If Mr. Fookcs succeeds in getting a library worthy of the. town established, he will bo conferring a real boon on the community.

Mr. Geo. Wrightson, our late Councillor, stated that though defeated at the Mayoral contest he would still take an active part in furthering the interests of the town. There is a splendid field for the exercise of his undoubted abilities in resuscitating the Taiha.pe Chamber of Commerce. It is unnecessary to stress the importance of having a Chamber; it is generally recognised by our townspeonle, but the trouble is no one seems to have the necessary initiative and energy to galvanise it into life. A striking object lesso.-i to Taihape is shown by the successfi:.' activities or the Rnetihi Chamber, which has extracted from the Government various postal facilities, a special train running on Saturday to and from Ohakime. road works towards the Wanganui River ?nd now they are battling for direct telephonic communication with our seaport town In Taihape there are several matters that require immediate attention and urgent advocacy.

An endeavour is being made to get Mr. P. J. O'Regan, of Wellington, t<» speak m Taihape at an early date. Be is to deliver an address at Oliakmio shortly, anu it is hoped he may be induced to break his journey at Taih'npe. Mr. O'Regan is a splendid forceful speaker, and a speech from him would give a good fillip to the local Labour movement.