S. Matthew's, Hastings.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume III, Issue 6, 1 December 1912, Page 94

S. Matthew's, Hastings.

. Vicar : Rev. J. B. Brockkhurst. Curate r Rev. K. Robertshawe, M.A. ■ ■ Since last •' the Parish news' .was published' there has been much to be done m Parish work. The work of obtaining promises for the Church Enlargement Fund has . proceeded.' The number of promises handed m shows that if only those who have been 'apprbached on this matter can do so' well, those who are still to send m their ' promises should be able to guarantee 'to the Church officers that m this matter the anxiety and prayers of the congregation will be joyfully crowned with the success which such a work to the glory of God deserves, if only our people will consider seriously this part of their religious life, they will readily understand how important it is that the outward result of each one's faith should be openly shown m loyalty to the object set before us. , During this month, we ha\<e toad a pleasant and helpful series of events for the uniting of Christian workers and members of our various organisations. On Wednesday, November 6th, members of the Mothers' Union and the Associates and Members of the G.F.S. were invited to take part m a united service held at the Cathedral, Napier. . The Bishop of the Diocese read the Lesson, which commemmorated the obedience of Our Lord to His earthly parents and guardians. Then Canon Garland gave an interesting address on the responsibility of women and mothers m connection with children. He preached from the words, " Take this child and nurse it for me." They apply to the influence ■women should have over children entrusted to their 1 charge by God, and also the influence women would have m the question of the religious education' of our State Schools. After the service the Bishop and Mrs. Averill entertained those who were present at a Garden Party at Bishopscourt, where, m spite of a little rain, a most enjoyable afternoon was spent. Oil the following Thursday, evening Miss Dineen, of the Foo^Chow Mission- School of the C.M.S., gave ■a most interesting address on the work and life of missionaries and teachers m the part of China from which she comes. A large number of people were presertt, who were delighted with her description.' of

Chinese life,;?- At tjiines: Mis^ ' Dineer clearly showed how revolt»in'g some aspects of Chinese life must appear to those reared m. refinement m ...New Zealand* and other civilised countries.. Miss Dineen is an • Auckland graduate of the New Zealand University College there. On Sunday, November 10th, Canon Garland, who is the official leader of tne Bible m State Schools League, preached at the morning service dur- . ing the celebration! of the Choral Eucharist. His sermon was preached from the text,. " Suffer little children to come unto Me." " He pointed out that it was tne friends of Our Lord, , who; should have known HJim best of all, who wished to oppose those who brought the children to Him. The disciples may have acted so from : the best motives, yet Our Lord was displeased. If now the Christian bodies are to escape the stern rebuke Christ gave to His disciples, they must endeavour to bring the, children nearer to Him by the religious instruction so often neglected at home; and shut out at present, to a large extent, from the State Schools of this country. On Monday evening he again addressed a fair number of Hastings people m S. Matthew's Hall, and pointed out clearly the objects of the Australian system, its merits, and the objections to its. introduction which we might expect, but must be prepared to overcome, m the afternoon he had addressed ia meeting of women, and shown them what a large share of work might naturally fall to them. May we be enabled to bring this question clearly home to the hearts of all who care for their religious faith. When the time comes, we shall then act unitedly, so that we may gain from Parliament the right of putting this question of the introduction of Bible reading and definite religious teaching into our State Schools before the people. They will by their vote decide, future education m the schools they uphold. On Wednesday; November . 13th, the C.E.M.S. met at 8 p.m., and after the usual opening with hymn and prayer, the business of the meeting proceeded. A paper was read on " The Bible m State Schools," and discussion followed. The meeting closed with 'the Benediction.