ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18807, 1 December 1932, Page 3

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING. SUCCESSFUL YEAR DISCLOSED. The reports of the various organisations submitted to the annual meeting of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, last evening disclosed a successful year materially and spiritually. Never have the communions been so large, and nev6r has there been less financial anxiety. In reporting upon the church’s progress, the minister, Rev. H. G. Gilbert, stressed the loyalty of support, the self-sacrificing service of the many helpers and the spirit of harmony and good will prevailing. Few churches, he said, were more blessed in the matter of office-bearers and few ministers had more reason for rejoicing and gratitude. Session’s Review. 'On behalf of the session, Air C. L. Mac Diarmid, session Clerk, placed on record the continued success of Rev. 11. G. Gilbert’s ministry, which was as acceptable as ever to members of the congregation, a fact which was evidenced by large and regular attendances. To Air and Airs Gilbert he tendered the thanks and loyalty of the people. He reported that on April 24 last, Messrs A. Anderson, AV. RBeaver, E. E. Hooper, 11. Afcßeath, G. L. Mac Diarmid, J. Primrose and W. G. Sayers were again inducted as members of session for rive years, their previous terms having expired, and they having been re-elected. At the same time, Air F. Findlay was inducted, and Messrs A. J. Warn and R. C. 'Griffiths were ordained and inducted as members of the court. It was' with sincere regret that he recorded the retirement from the session of Rev. J. T. Burrows. The average attendance at the four celebrations of the Sacrament was 320. Communion services had also been held regularly In the Melville Church. The sacrament of baptism was administered to 34 infants and one adult. Since October 31, 1931, the names of 79 persons had been added to the roll, 29 by certificate or transfer, and 50 by profession of faith. There are now 405 members. The court acknowledged with sincere appreciation the faithful work done by the various organisations. Satisfactory Financial Position. The management committee reported that the financial year ended with a balance to credit of £0 12s 4d The total amount raised for all church purposes was £1634 ils (last year, £TB72 7s 8d). Of this amount £271 16s 6d was for special purposes. The assessment on the congregation for the schemes of the church was £165; this had been fully met. The church debt had been reduced -toy £225; the liability now stood at £2750. The committee regreted the loss of Mr A. 11. Coles, who had been transferred to Wellington. Air Coles had been most attentive to his duties as a manager, as well as in other branches of congregational activity. Acknowledgement was made of the valuable assistance of the PAV.M.U., the Ladies’ Guild and the Girls’ Missionary Club. Air C. AT. Aluir, secretary of the envelope system, stated that the total collection for Ihe year was £652 7s Gd, an Increase of £53 5s 2d on last year’s returns. He appealed for more subscribers. The secretary' of the church debt extinction fund, Air A. W. Green, stated that the year’s work had brought the church nearer to the goal of freedom from heavy debts, and that the full amount owing on the pipe organ had been paid off. 'Members were asked to support the fund which had collected in donations this year £146 Is 9d. Other Organisations. The Presbyterian Women’s Alissionary Union reported progress. There were 46 members, and £5 13s was collected for the -Maori Mission -Birthday League. The passing of Mrs Paul, a dearly loved member, was regretted, and also the removal of Airs Hall. The Ladies’ Guild was active and the committee had introduced variety Into the programmes wherever possible. The guild’s balance-sheet showed a determined effort to fulfil obligations. Sunday school attendances had been well maintained land excellent work was being done by faithful workers, an important branch being the Young Worshipers’ League, with a membership of 86. The efforts of the choir had been most satisfactory. Two very fine organ recitals were arranged by Air Apthoi'p, approximately £lO being raised for orphanages. A successful performance of the oratorio, “Elijah,” had been given. Wonderful work was being done among the young people. There were two young -men’s classes, and four young women’s classes, all showing evidence of sound spiritual training. The Girls’ Koa Club held an important place In the social life, which is such an important part of youth movements. Progress at Melville. Rev. J. T. Burrows reported a satisfactory position in spite of the depression which had affected so many of his congregation at AlelvMle. Interest was maintained in Hie Sunday school, and good work was being done in the junior boys’ class. The reports as submitted were adopted, eulogistic reference being made by various speakers to 1 he excellent work done and the evidence of progress in all branches of church activity. Election of Officers There were six vacancies on the .Management Committee, and these were filled by the re-election of Messrs W. Fraser, G. M. -Muir, R. M. Madid and E. F. Taylor, and Ihe appointment of Messrs M. G. Gudex and It. 11. Page. Air Geo. Roves was re-appointed auditor. Moderator’s Thanks. The Moderator, in a short address, relumed thanks for Ihe eo-nperation ami assislanee of officer-bearers and members generally. The year had in seme ways hern an anxious one, hut he ami his had been greatly heartened 1 j y fim kindness, consideration and as- ! sislanee extended by one and all. j The session clerk (Mr G. L. Mae- I Diarmid) on behalf of Ihe congregation. conveyed to .Mr and Mrs Gilbert J an expression of appreciation of their 1 labour and elTorls during the year and - a pledge of continued ro operation. ! The (ioxology and benediction concluded the proceedings I

value of Hay.— The haymaking process has been largely mechanised, and wherever hay is made on a large fcale the cost has been materially reduced. According to a writer in the British Journal of Agriculture, when hay can he made during good weather no cheaper cattle food is axailable on the f a rm. The ultimate value of the bay is dependent on a number of factors, •phe main factor under the control of the fanner is the stage of growth at which the crop is cut. After the

main portion of the plants has flowered, deterioration in feeding quality rapidly sets in, and the sooner the crop is cut the more valuable and digestible is the hay. It is well to remember that immature crops are more difficult to dry to a condition in which -they can be stacked without incurring the risk of damage, and longer time should be allowed be tween the time of cutting and the time of stacking than would be necessary with a more mature crop.