Te Puke.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume I, Issue 1, 1 July 1910, Page 4

Te Puke.

Vicar : The month of May, 1910, will long be remembered by the Church people of Te Puke. On the sth and 6th we had the Bishop with us, on the occasion of his first visit to the district. On the sth (.Ascension Diy) the Bishop, who had driven from Matata, administered Confirmation to three candidates, and the same evening met the members of the vestry informally at the Vicarage. Next day, accompanied by the Vicar—Rev. G. D. Wilson —the Bishop visited and spoke to the children m the Te Puke District School. The Bishop

was met at the school by the Chairman (Mr R. King) and several members of the Te Puke School Committee. In the evening, a most successful welcome social was tendered to his Lordship. A few words of welcome were spoken by gentlemen representing the Church people m Te Puke and m the out-districts, by the Presbyterian missioner, by representatives of the town of Te Puke, and by the Chairman of the Tc Puke Eoad Board. The Maoris were well to the fore with three welcome speeches and two songs. A musical programme enlivened the proceedings. The Bishop, m thanking the people for their hearty welcome, urged the Church people to stronger efforts on behalf of their Church. Before he left, the Bishop had shaken hands with everyone, and all felt they had made a true friend. No more representative and hearty welcome has ever been accorded any religious leader, m Te Puke. The day the Bishop left, we heard with astonishment and dismay of the death of King Edward VII. The next two Sundays were days of sorrow. The service on Friday, the 21st—the funeral day —was one of those services that one never forgets. The Te Puke Mounted Rifles and Cadets turned out m strong force, and St. John's Church was altogether too small for all who sought admission. On all sides were indications of a deep loyalty, and a real sympathy and sorrow. On Sunday, June sth, the Rev. G-. D. "Wilson preached his farewell sermons m Te Puke. On the 6th, the Rev. and Mrs Wilson were tendered a farewell social which was very well attended, and proved most enjoyable. Very many kind things were said, both of the Vicar and Mrs Wilson. Mrs Wilson was presented with a handsome piece of silver, and Mr Wilson with a purse of sovereigns. Mr C. Bishoprick, people's warden and Church Treasurer, who presided, announced that the somewhat considerable arrears of stipend were cleared off, something like £50 having been collected throughout the district m ten days.