The Rev. F. W. Martin.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 1, 1 July 1913, Page 8

The Rev. F. W. Martin.

The resignation of the Rev. F. W. Martin, Vicar of Waipukurau, took •effect on June 30th, and calls for more than passing comment. Mr. Martin has been beneficed m this Diocese for nearly twenty years, as Vicar of Opotiki 1895-1900 and Vicar of Waipukurau 1900-ia, and ha^ now been compelled 'to give up active work on account of deafness. Mr. Martin has worked faithfully under great difficulties for some time past, keenly realising his inability (on account of his infirmity) to carry out the full duties of the Parish Priest, especially m visiting the sick. Mr. Martin eventually took the step which his conscience compelled him to take, trusting to the Church t o make some provision for himself and family. By the kindness and generosity of one or two Churchmen m the Diocese, the way was opened for Mr. Martin's resignation, especially as the Parish had ■offered to allow him a pension of j£so pet annum until his clerical pension was due. The chief difficulty then to be faced was the question of a house for Mr. and Mrs. Martin m Napier, where they wish to reside, and where he may be able to undertake •occasional work and possibly look after his garden. The Churchwardens of Waipukurau issued an appeal to the Parishioners with a view of raising sufficient means to purchase a small property, and although . some have liberally responded to the appeal, the sum of £200 has only so far been realised. Any contributions towards the

funds necessary for obtaining a house for Mr. Martin will be gratefully received by the Churchwardens of Waipukurau or Archdeacon Ruddock, Napier. We confidently support such an appeal to Churchmen generally, for "if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it," and we are all painfully conscious of the sufferings of both Mr. and Mrs. Martin.