Whakatane.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume IX, Issue 15, 2 September 1918, Page 118

Whakatane.

Vicar : Rev. H. W. Klingender. The Bishop of the Diocese visited this parish at the end of June, and held a Confirmation for Maori candidates at Matata on the eveningof his arrival, and on the following morning consecrated the Church to the service of God, and dedicated it the name of St. Augustine. The Yen. Archdeacon Tuke, and the former vicar, the Rev. W. J. Chapman were present, besides the local clergy. The service was well attended, there being some 30 Communicants, Maori and Pakeha. Lunch was provided m the grounds after the service. The Church people of Matata are to be congratulated on having their

church free of debt, and consecrated m about two years after building, and also on having made many im-: provements m church furniture, etc. On Thursday the Bishop visited Ruatoki, and held a meeting for the Maorisi m the interest of their church and mission, and confirmation on the next morning, returning to Whakatane afterwards.

A devotional service was held at St. George's on Saturday for those about to be confirmed, and three adults were baptised by the Bishop. Sunday was beautifully fine, and all services well attended, early celebration being held at Whakatane, Confirmation at the Native church and at the freezing works at 11. Confirmation was held at Taneatua at 2.30 p.m., and Evensong at St. George's. On Monday evening 17 candidates were confirmed here, the service being most impressive.

We are very thankful that our Bishop could express his gratfiieation at the quiet, steady work going on m the district and assure us of its fruitfulness.

The annual meeting of parishioners was held on July 24th, and after the report and balance-sheet were adopted, the following were elected officers for the ensuing year: — E. Snell, vicar's warden; G. Brabant, people's warden; W. Morrison, A. Read, H. Dent, H. Chilton, E. Craber, — . Woodward, — . Thompson, — . Greensi ade, Dalzell, P. Caunt, vestrymen. The balance-sheet showed a much better financial position than at the last annual meeting.

It was unanimously decided that, with the consent of the trustees, a chance] be added to the church, and steps be taken to enable this to be done, and we hope m a short time to make this much-needed completion of our central church.