St. Augustine's, Napier.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume IX, Issue 20, 1 February 1919, Page 164

St. Augustine ' s, Napier.

Vicar: Rev. E. D. Rice. Acting Vicar : Rev. John Hobbs. • It is, some montlis since an^ letter from this parish appeared m the "Gazette." We hope to continue this beginning, made with the New Year, and have a short letter m each month. . The last news of the Vicar was from Etaples, the N.Z. base m France, where he. was kept very busy visiting with twelve hospitals to visit, besides his charge of the Church of England hut, where many entertainments, including a daily cinema, were provided for the men. The parish is now m charge of the Rev. John Hobbs, and it is hoped that there will be a big response to his untiring labours. Mr Siinkins' services to St. Augustine's were greatly appreciated by all. At the request of the Bishop he is now organising the work of the Home Mission Fund, and all his Sundays will be taken 'Up visiting the many Hawke's Bay parishes. There were a large number of Communicants at the three Celebrations on Christmas Day, and also at the early Celebration on New Year's Day. The Sunday School is closed during the holidays, and from the number of eager inquiries by small children we ' think there will be a good muster when it : re-opens. On the last Sunday of the year Mr Hobbs conducted a very beautiful flower service, when children brought their offerings of flowers and fruit. There was also a collection m aid of the Waipawa Orphanage. As it was a wet afternoon, we intend to- have another service a little later, when, with all the children of St. Augustine's present, and many of their parents, we hope to be able to present the. Orphanage with a sewing machine as a result of our efforts. The flowers and fruit ,were packed and sent to the Napier Hospital. The Scouts have, been enjoying their annual camp, and appear to have" derived much benefit by their two weeks m the open air. The parish has sustained a great loss m the death of Lady Whitmore.

She has been so long- the: Mother" of St. Augustine's that it is .impossible to realise how we,, shtilLgo on without her feindly help.- 'Although latterly she had been unable, to attend the church she loved so well, her interest m it, never ceased. She will be greatly missed by all as Mr Hobbs. expressively told us last Sunday morning, even by those who seldom or never saw her. , Much "sympathy was felt with the vicar's warden, Mr Griffin, m the loss of his wife during the recent epidemic. Mrs Griffin was well known to all the congregation, and a regular worhipper m the church. The annual concert given by the St. Augustine 's Scouts was a very successful function. A noticeable feature of. the entertainment was the clever and., artistic manner, m which the hall was decorated. We are very proud of our troop winning the banner which was for by all the Scout troops m Napier.