Opotiki.

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

Opotiki.

Vicar: Rev. Thomas Fisher. The one thought of the year past can be told m the phrase "Carry on!" The task has been stiff at times. Perhaps inevitably there is a real danger of a lowering of the spiritual and moral life. Against this I ask you all to help by more earnestness m prayer, and more constant realisa-

ti'ori of the presence of the living God. We may find encouragement (1) m the increase of Communions made during the year, m spite of all distractions; (2) m the gatherings together m earnest prayer and seeking after God when great perils of war were heavy upon us, and m the enlarging of the small circle of those who think it worth while to respond to the noon prayer-bell; (3) the lively interest repeatedly expressed by those who are, or have been, m the thicK of the fighting; (4) above all, m the realised presence of God m the services of His House, notably m the Sacrament of His love. Though it is cause for thankfulness that so many of our Opotiki boys are spared, yet we grieve to record two losses. Arthur Brunt, killed m action on the battlefield, near Albert, m France, on March 30th, 1918. A good and dutiful son of our faithful member, Mrs Brunt, and a regular worshipper; and Walker Barrett, whose fate is still unknown; he was twice wounded, and on March 30th, 1918, was spoken with on camel back, near Jericho, being carried to a dressing station. It is believed his camel got bogged on that night, and he fell into the enemy's hands, "wounded and missing, believed prisoner of war." His CO. adds: "Never was a braver boy m action." Many of his former neighbors hold on to the hope of his ultimate return. He was awarded the M.M., "and it was never more worthily earned!"