Te Karaka.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume I, Issue 6, 1 December 1910, Page 15

Te Karaka.

Vicar : Confirmation.— On Sunday, October 9 tji, the Bishop administered Confirmation m S. John's Church, Te Karaka, after Evensong. Fourteen candidates were presented by the Vicar. The Church was full and the Bishop gave a weighty and impressive address based on the words, "Lord, what, wilt Thou have me to do ?" On the following : night (Monday), the Bishop conducted a Mission Service. Having been arranged at short notice it was remarkable to see what a large number attended, Borne having come many miles to be present. The Bishop first gave an instruction on Prayer, and afterwards a Mission address. Both were greatly appreciated,

Narrow Escape of the Bishop. — On Monday the Bishop drove to Waihuka with the Vicar, Mrs. Roberts, and children, and on the r.eturn journey the party had a narrowescape from a serious accident. The -horse jibbed whilst ascending a hillside and backed the buggy over the bank. The Bishop and Mr. Roberts jumped clear, but the vehicle turned completely : over ; on Mrs." Roberts and the children. Assistance was soon to hand, and the unfortunate ..ones .beneath were . extricated, fortunately uninjured, and beyond a broken shaft and some torn clothes the damage was slight. The Bishop is getting used to the experiences and ways of the back-blocks, and the country Parson's trials. ' . The Rev. W. H. Roberts has left the Parish, for Gisborne, and the Rev. T. A. Meyer has been appointed to the temporary charge of the district. Farewell to the Vicar.— The Rev. W. H. Roberts was bidden farewell by the upcountry people at Matawai on October 22, when a large number of people attended a social held m his honour. Mr. J. Pigott (Matawai), Mr. Hicks and Mr. J. Clarke (Rakauroa), and Mr. G. Little (Motu), voiced the kindly feelings of the Parishioners towards Mr. Roberts and their regret at his departure from them. Te Karaha and Neighbotirhood assembled m full force on November 10th ,m the King's Theatre. Mr. 0, A. Armstrong, Resident Engineer, presided, and at the request of Mr. Pearson, who had energetically and perfectly organised the whole function, made presentations to both the Rev. W. H. Roberts and Mrs. Roberts. Mr. Armstrong regretted that Mr. Roberts was leaving the Parish, and made complimentary allusion to the faithful manner m which he had carried out his duties m spite of all obstacles, and testified to the esteem m which he was held from one end of the Parish to the other. He also expressed the thanks of Te Karaka residents to Mrs. Roberts for her valuable work m the Sunday School. The following presentations were then made :— To the Rev. YV. H. and Mrs. Roberts, by the Parishioners, a valuable silver tray suitably inscribed ; to Mr. Roberts, a gold-mounted Swan fountain pen ; to Mrs. Roberts, from the Sunday School, a framed photograph of the scholars and a set of poultry carvers. In reply Mr. Roberts said he felt highly gratified to have, won the esteem and affection of those among whom he had resided for the last three years, and m parting would urge them to remember that for which a Clergyman's residence m their midst was a standing witness, viz, the preeminence -of the 'spiritual side of haman nature. Physical development, sport, or civic spirit were admirable, but unless the spiritual faculties were also .developed man would fail to rise to the highest.. He wanted to see the Church of God a greater power m their ■ lives. He . thanked them heartily for their tokens of friendship and souvenirs. . : ■ Mr. J. Pigoti, who has been such. a great help m the Parish, particularly m the upcountry districts, has for a long time been contemplating entering the Sacred Ministry. He now feels definitely sure of his vocation, *nd through the kind efforts of our Biah6p

on his behalf arrangements have been made for him to take up his studies with a view to Holy Orders. Mr. Pigott will probably proceed* to S. John's College, Auckland, after Christmas. His many friends should follow him m his preparation with their earnest prayers.