Opotiki.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 5, 1 November 1915, Page 68

Opotiki.

Vicar : Rev. Thomas Fisher.

The new Vestry is tackling its year of office with a good heart, though the task is a stiff one. Their confidence is that the parishioners will give them their hearty support. The first essential is that attendance at the Sunday services be much more regular. At their request the Vicar took a) journey to Wellington ; the result will, it is hoped, be for the good of the parish. • At the Synod, m Napier, the n'otaMe feature was the Service of Intercession, described on page 45 of the " Gazette " for October, which deserves to be turned- up and read ai^ain.' Such a solemn service dealing with the realities of human .life seems to clear away the prejudices and doubts to which we are all liable, and teaches us the true source of hope and strength, and to do as our British forefathers did m: their times of dangier. If there is one lesson clear m this time of war, ,it is surely this : the obligation to turn to G-od afresh, and put our trust and confidence m Him. The Vicar is now ready to receive names for Confirmation, and to arrange for proper instruction. Please help by sending names early. It is now time we thought of the ' refurnishing of the Sanctuary, and clearing out the old shabby hangings. The ladies wall be asked to meet a/nd " see what each can do 1 several pro>mises are made already, and all that '. is needed is a strong pull together. 1 It is hoped that what' fine needlework : is necessary can be done by members of the congregation.

i The winter socials are a<t an end, and have justified the committee by their results, both m 'bringing., us together and m helping m some degree to provide things neressary for the Parish Hall. The Vestry are glad to know that the Hall is proving useful as well for parish as for patriotic purposes. ... A strong committee is formed to prepare for the G-ard'en Fete announced for November 24th, m „ the old Vicarage grounds. It ds also proposed that a Church picnic be held on the beach on Boxing Day. It would be a happy feature of the Christmas Festival if we could arrange to learn some good carols. Anyone who would help, of either sex, will please speak to the Vicar.' We have had to say good'jbye to Mr and Mrs Foster Brown. We shall miss their cheerful help, both at services and Vestry. They are now living m the Cambridge parish, m Waikato. Pending a meeting of parishioners to fill Mr Brown's seait on. 1 the Vestry, we are inviting Mr Wise to attend. The month has to record .the fallen m the war : William Hedley was killed m action at the Dardanelles on August 2ist, 19115. He was 28 years of age, the son of Mr and Mrs Anthony Hedley of " The Grange," Opotiki. He enlisted m December, 1 9 14, and left with the Third ■Reinforcements, was m Egypt till August 14, 1915, arrived m Gallipoli on the 1 6th, and met .his death five days later. In offering his services 'to his King and Country he sacrificed his interest m one of the best farms m the district, throughout which he was well-known as an active citizen and member of many local clubs ; besides being a Freemason, he was a Communicant. Richard Wm. Parkinson, son of Wm. B. B. Parkinson, has also given his life for bis Country, and the sadness of his relatives is marked by an entijre absence of aaiy word, until a letter, written by Private J. G-. Adams, a pajti&nt m hospital, to his family, informs them of bis having died m the same ward on , July 23rd, 1915. -He left m the Main Force, and took part m the first landing, and was three months m the fighting, line, with only a fortnight's spell at Malta. His last card • was dated Cairo, July 17th— four days before he was admitted to' hospital. He died of heart failure, m the faith of a Christian, his mate's comment being, " Greater love hath no man than this, tha/t a man lay 1 down his life • for his friends." (S. John xv, 13.) IMay the Saviour Friend Who laid down His life for " His friends," have his soul, and all who' at this time die for their country, m His Almighty keeping ■!