Te Karaka.

Waiapu Church Gazette, 1 September 1910, Page 43

Te Karaka.

Vicar : Rev. W. H. Roberts.

Our annual meeting was held on July 16th. The Vicar presented an encouraging report of the work during the year. The following officials were elected : — Churchwardens, Messrs. B. VY. Bousefield and W. Powell ; Vestrymen, Messrs. J. Pigott, 0. Armstrong, J. Poynter, James Price, G. Bell, W. J. Hicks, and Dr. Wi Repa; the last-named was also elected as Parochial representative to the Synod. The financial statement was satisfactory, showing a balance m hand of £14 18s. after paying the Vicar's stipend of £180. It is hoped that next year the funds at the disposal of the Vestry will enable them to raise the stipend to £200. There being no Vicarage it is essential that this should be the minimum. If every Parishioner would contribute a little the thing could be done quite easily. The Bishop has written to the Vicar that he may vacate the Parish at the end of October, m order to take up work as Assistant Priest of Holy Trinity, Gisborne. So far, no appointment of a successor has been made. Motu was plunged into grief by the death, on July 10th, of Mr. Christian Hansen, after a brief illness and serious operation. One of- the oldest settlers, Mr. Hansen was regarded as the " Father of Motu" and was identified with every movement for the advancement of the district. He was laid to rest on the 12th, m the log-strewn cemetery of the settlement he loved so well, the Vicar conducting the service. Over one hundred settlers attended to pay their last tribute of respect and esteem. The deceased was a constant attendant at the services of the Church. A Memorial Service on a subsequent Sunday was crowded. The Railway Mission, under Mr. W. J. Hicks, is doing useful work. The population is m scattered camps extending over ten miles, with centres at Otoko and Rakauroa. Much wet weather has made the roads almost impassable ; mud is everywhere ; and services are seriously handicapped. Visiting, however, is being constantly carried on and will, we hope, result m the establishment of friendly feeling and spiritual influence. A portable organ has been bought by subscription and should prove a valuable adjunct m making the services attractive. A new and handsome Public Hall at Matawai ha.a been built by the energy and

enterprise of the settlers m the district. This should prove of great value from a religious standpoint, no suitable place for services having been hitherto available. At the request of the Committee, the Vicar performed the opening ceremony at a concert and social held on Friday, July 22nd, when, m spite of bad weather, there was a goodly gathering. On the following Sunday afternoon a service was held and the attendance was most gratifying. The men rose to the occasion splendidly, and for once were m the majority. Miss Neverman presided at the piano kindly lent by Mrs. Neal, and the singing was very hearty. Mr. J. Pigott, our indefatigable Lay Reader, assisted at the service, and the Vicar preached on "Christian Edification." We hope this may be the forerunner of many hearty services m Matawai and that the men will continue to hold their own m the matter of attendance.