Tauranga.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 1, 1 July 1916, Page 15

Tauranga.

Vicar: Archdeacon Tuke. Lay Readers : Messrs. C. J. Butcher, T. R. Philpotts and F. A. Stevens. The issue of our0 ur " Church Gazette" heing for the future bi-monthly makes notes of Church life m the Parish rather stale news to our Church people here. . But apparently thsre is no other course open at present, fcr all newspapers are struggling with war made difficulties and shortage of paper is one of them. Our notes will be therefore brief. In common with the Church throughout the Province we had our Lord Kitchehor Memorial Service. The day was gloriously fine and the military parade, under Col. Ward, was a very creditable one at so short a notice. Returned soldiers, veterans., cadets, nurses, and the Mayor and Council filled about half of the pews. The Wardens, assisted by some- Vestrymen, did uncommonly well m finding seating accommodation for all they did, some 339 people being within the Church and' many others outside. The service was as bright as it could be under

the circumstances, the Whitsunday Psalms lending themselves with striking, appropriateness. The fitting circumstances of Lord Kitchener's dying on a man-o'-war were duly noted by the preacher, for the wonderful co-ordination between the Navy and Army m this great war, planned by that master, of organisation to a very large extent, has been " one of the best features m the campaign. The lessons of patience, attention to detail, the work of discipline, and careful organisation can all be learned from that life so freely given m self-sacrifice to our lieloved'nation. As the "Last Post," with its long-drawn wailing note was sounded many hearts were touched with solemn memories of their •dear' ones " loved long since and lost awhile." The Vicar and his family, who received a very hearty reception at a social tendered to them, duly appreciated the opportunity of meeting so many of their new parishioners. The Wardens, Messrs J. W. Philpotts . and J. R. Cross, and- the Ladies' Senior Guild, under Mrs Butcher, were responsible for much of the success of the evening. The Mayor also most kindly assisted m the welcome and many contributed songs and recitations, etc. The first service held by the Vicar at Otopi was .held at the end of last month. Many came m the dark night and damp conditions. Mr and Mrs F. lvensingter most kindly hospitued the Vicar, who celebrated Ho y Communion next morning. Some twenty-six families were visited. The next service will, we hope, be held on a moonlight night. The Bishop, who came here chiefly on Maori Mission work, most kindiy celebrated at the early service, and preached a thoughtful sermon, on " Gcd is Love," at Evensong. The natives at Matapihi were visited by the Bishop on the Sunday, and a trip to those living at Motiti Islam! was made on the Tuesday. Beautiful weather favoured the party who returned next day after good services. The rain which has been hsayv of late made the travelling unsafe for horse or motor car. ■ Fortunately viiothing serious happened when the pole of the coach, containing our Bishop and Miss Hare, of the Rotorua Mission, and several others, broke while the steep Oropi Gorge was being descended. The Choir needs urgently some bass voices. The Vicar appeals to thei men of the Church to volunteer. The Junior Guild is losing a valued member and worker m Miss Whiting, who leaves for > Wellington shortly. We wish her a happy time there, and we shall be glad to see her back here at any time.

The Vicar is still paying visits as fast as he can to overtake the. long Visiting list left by the former Vicar. These short and often wet days prevent as much being done as the Vicar, would wish. He will soon be absent on duties belonging to the Archdeaconry. The parishioners are requested to note the date of the Annual Parish Meeting, viz., Tuesday, July 25th. There will also be an election of a ' Synodsman at, that meeting. The matter of additional, room, at the Vicarage will also 1 be dealt with. The Vicar thanks all wh 0 sent their Church " Gazette " subscriptions to him.