Opotiki.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 1, 1 July 1913, Page 16

Opotiki.

Vicar: Rtv. W. H. Bawden. We would remind our local readers of the " Gazette " that their subscription is due, and that it would greatly facilitate matters did they not wait to be personally asked for it. We are, perhaps, apt to overlook so small a call, but it would be well to remember that each subscriber's amount is of importance to the financial success of the journal. Please pay promptly this year, with arrears (if any). There are yet a number of Church families into which the paper has not found entrance, and as its usefulness is unquestionable, it would be well if they decided to receive it. The Vicar was obliged to be absent for a few days on matters of personal business, when his Church duties were ably undertaken by Mr. H. T. Torrens, assisted by Mr. Powell, of

the Bank of New Zealand, Auckland. We are indebted to Mr. Powell for his help so cheerfully rendered. The prevailing epidemics of whooping cough, influenza, and measles have played havoc with Church and Sunday school attendances alike. The children especially are having a bad time, and the numbers at the Sunday classes are reduced by onehalf. This, of course, is unavoidable. With another deterrent of Sunday school attendance, however, we cannot sympathise. The universal Saturday night picture show is responsible to a great extent for the diminished numbers "of our Sunday morning scholars. One deplores the laxity af parents m this respect, quite small children being allowed out till 11 p.m. 7 on Saturdays, to witness things quite unsuitable, even injurious, to their childish minds, and this, too, often unaccompanied by responsible persons. The Vicar prefers the Sunday morning classes, and abolished the afternoon school to give way to them, thus affording himself the privilege of superintending, but we fear we shall have to revert to the old order 6f things unless an> improvement m morning attendance takes place. Parents are urged to rectify this matter, and to see that their children are given their opportunity for school and service on Sunday mornings. The increase of Communicants at the early celebrations is gratifying. Perhaps the Communicants' Guild is to a certain extent responsible for the improvement m this direction. It is certainly a bond between us, arid an encouragement. In spite of cold mornings, and m many cases long distances, numbers of our younger Commiunicants are making the early celebration an important feature of their Church life. We hear from people so many excuses for their failure to come to morning Communion, but the real obstacles after all are simply want of inclination to exert themselves, and want of spiritual earnestness. The Vicar has many times latety reminded Communicants that the monthly evening Communion is intended mainly as a concession to those who cannot possibly make their Communions at more suitable times ; such as dairying people living at a distance, and others serving m necessary Sunday capacities, who otherwise would be altogether denied the privilege and right of participating m this holy ordinance. Church people throughout the district felt much concern for the Bishop m his recent indisposition, and the reassuring news we learn concerning his health has given much satisfaction. We trust his convalescence may advance speedily to complete restoration.