Te Puke.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume III, Issue 2, 1 September 1912, Page 41

Te Puke.

Vicar: Rev. J. Hobbs. To the Parishioners. My Dear Friends, — We are trjr'ng an experiment, which we trust to you for success. Its object is the encouragement of that important .adjunct to a hearty service, congregational response and singing. The commencement is the numerical strengthening of our Choir, which has lately been reinforced by six naw members. I can only hope that they will be inspired with the loyal and painstaking example of those whom they join. " The next point is that the Choir will m future be silent during the last but one verse m every hymn, and the third endeavour will be to have a congregation practice after Evensong on the first Sunday m each month. Another experiment for which we hope success is the separation of the District into its component parts, making each part manage its own affairs. We have already had small annual Parish meetings at Maketu and Paengaroa, each havinr taken up the principle of systematic offerings, and each promising £15 towards the Stipend Fund of the current year— as much as either can afford for a start. Maketu has given this for the last year, m addition to collecting £13 towards Church renovation. Last Sunday another baby was baptised, with the presence and

prayers of the Te Puke congregation, such a nice service. Te Puke has been very deeply moved by the death, after a week's illness, of Albert Langley, commonly known as " The Tourist." He was a deservedly popular young fellow, always so ready to oblige. . He was one of our band of Confirmees last "ear, and a member of our Choir. I shall not be the only one who* will miss him greatly. During the past month two new members have been admitted into our C.E.M.S. branch, and I had looked forward to Langley as one of the next. No doubt another report will reach you of the missions which have lately been preached by the Kiev. F. Bennett among the natives. I can only say how thankful I am that the Missioner felt so encouraged m. his work, and how pleased I was to accept an invitation to be present at the laying of the foundation-stone of a new Church at Eangiuru. — Yours sincerely, J. HOBBS.