PAROCHIAL NOTES

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XX, Issue 4, 1 October 1929, Page 13

PAROCHIAL NOTES

Porangahau.

Waipawa.

Waipino Bay

Tuai.

Waipukurau

Vicai : The Rev. B. R. Brierley. Mrs. Her rick's Annual Ball at Herbertville was quite a success again this year. As a result £43 has been added to the Church Funds. Unfortunately the weather was at its worst, pouring rain the whole evening, this was very disappointing m many ways, particularly to the ladies who had spent some considerable time, and not a little expense m decorating the hall and making it presentable. Never the less, a very good number braved the elements and enjoyed a very jolly evening. We thank Mrs. Herrick and her committee of ladies from Herbertville and Wimbledon for their kindness and also their keenness m once more giving this ball; also all who m anyway helped to make it a success. If is now generally recognised as one of the best, if not the best dance of the year m the district. Our Bishop has paid his farewell visit to the Parish. It was a joy to welcome him once more, but a sorrow to say good-bye. There are many very genuine regrets here at the thoughts of his near retirement. By his per-

sonality, he has won many hearts. If good wishes and affection count for anything, then an abundance of these will follow him for many years to come. Two candidates were presented for the Sacrament of Confirmation: Edward Forrest, and Lilian Whitmore. We shall follow them with our prayers. Mr. William Palmer, of Weber, passed to his rest on Sunday evening, September Bth at the age of 83. The end was not unexpected; it had been known for some time that his entry to Paradise was a matter of moments. The Parish is poorer as the result of his death. His devotion to God and His Church was an inspiration to all; would that many of the present generation ware saturated with a like zeal and love for God and the things that matter. Paradise has gained a devoted son. Our sympathy goes out to his widow and family. Ere these notes have Ibeen read, a Memorial Service will have been held at Weber, giving us ah opportunity of thanking God for his life. On the same day, the Rev. F. E. T. Simcox passed to his rest at the age of 83. The late Mr. Simcox was the first Vicar of this Parish, remaining here for 43 years, Jt was at thp re-

quest of the late Mr. John Nairn that Mr and Mrs Simcox left England. They arrived m Porangahau on a bullockwagon. Mr. Simcox not only ministered to the souls of his parishioners, but also to their bodies. His study was a miniature surgery and medicine chest. Many are the stories of his journeys through the night on horse-back going to the relief of the sick and suffering. He was essentially a man's man; his keen sense of humour and unique personality has made his name a byeword throughout this vast Parish. While Porangahau lasts the name of its first Vicar will ever be revered and associated with it. The last few years of his life were spent m retirement at Havelock North. He certainly lived there, but his heart was ever m his old Parish, his thoughts were always of his old Parishioners who were to him, not onjy Parishioners but as it were part of himself. Whenever one met him the conversation was always Porangahau and its people, many now advanced m years, but still his children; he had watched them grow up from childhood, thought of them, and prayed for them. Could we but se<? him now one can only imagine that he still prays for them whom he loyed

so well and to whom he gave the greater part of his life. It was a disappointment to me not to be present at his> funeral, but duty took me elsewhere, to bury Mr. Palmer, an old friend of Mr. Simcox who passed away the same day, at the same age, hi .. buried at the same hour m Dannevirke. They knew each other as young men, and have now journeyed together into Paradise. May perpetual light shine upon both souls. To Mrs. Simcox and her family we offer our very deepest sympathy. To God we give thanks and praise for the life and work of Fred- . crick Edward Telling . Simcox and William Palmer. A Memorial Service was held m St. Michael's Church on Sunday afternoon, September 15th, when many old friends of Mr. Simcox assembled to render thanks to God for his life's work.

Vicar: The Rev. J. Pigott. On August 29th a social was held m St. Peter's Schoolroom to welcome to Waipawa Bishop Bennet, Canon Wilfred Williams and party of Maori clergy. They were holding a mission over the river among the Maoris and the pakehas seemed! very glad of this opportunity of welcoming them. The evening was voted by one and all to bo a .huge success, and it is hoped it will be the forerunner of many more. The Vicar welcomed the Bishop and party m an opening speech, which they replied to just before supper. An excellent committee of ladies looked after the supper arrangements, and the pakeha men were asked to secure Maori ladies and the Maori men pakeha ladies as supper partners. An excellent programme of games and competitions was put on by Mrs Allen King. On the Sunday following a combined service, Maori and pakeha, washeld m S. Peter's Church. The Bishop preached and Canon Williams acted as his Chanlain; the Vicar read the opening exhortation and prayers; one lesson wan read m Maori and one m English by the Rev. Parora Temuera; the collects m English and Maori by the Rev. W. Panapa, of the Bay of Islands; while the Maori half of the choir was led by the Mission Priest m charge of the district, the Recv. W. Rangi. The church was so packed that even with the extra seating accommodation provided one of the churchwarden® and a sidesman had to sit on the font rails. The Mothers' Union has been active during the month, and on Friday, September 13th some lantern slides were shown to members depicting the work of the Union throughout the world.

The Vestry has again met and it is hoped to start painting the Vicarage aS soon as a Diocesan loan for the purpose can be obtained. Our total indebtedness to the Diocese on account of our property will then be £351 14s 2d.

Vicar: The Rev. J. J. Anderson. The Mothers' Union held Mothers' Day ori September sth. This has now become a much appreciated annual fixture. A long and varied programme was given by the children of members, and! a sumptuous afternoon tea was provided fo: all. Mrs J. J. Anderson 'presided sand explained the "raison d'etre" of the day. A stall of flowers under the supervision of Mrs Hollever realised sufficient to cover the expenses of the day. Violets were very much m evidence. The Secretary, Mrs Holah, is to be congratulated on the success of the afternoon, and we should like to thank Mrs Morgan for the arrangement of the programme. During the school holidays three jolly children's parties were held at the Vicarage, entertainment being thus provided for all the Waipiro Sunday School. The numbers are keeping at a splendid level, many children not have missed this year. Our assistants are most regular and devoted m their service, and this naturally reacts upon the keenness of the children. A combined Vestry meeting was held at Tokomaru, September 10th, when there was a representative attendance. The proposition to provide Mr Corbin with a house at' Te Araroa was favourably discussed and deferred pending further enquiries. We feel the sympathetic interest with the work of the Church is developing, and we wish Te Araroa every success m its effort to be made October 3rd. A resolution expressing appreciation of the work of the Bishop combined with regret and sorrow at. his impending departure was passed . Synod will be held early m October. The Vicar expects to be away for a few weeks afterwards, when Mr Corbin will be m charge of the parish

The people of the Waikaremoana locality P.W.D. Camps, have been very interested during the last two days to see their "Skipper"— Captain Ball, accompanied by another Church Army Officer. Captain Squires arrived from England to take up work m. this Diocese (Waiapu) last week, and has now commenced his camp experience with Captain Ball. He will continue the work m the Camps at Waikaremoana and district;

and so enable Captain Ball to work m the camps situated on the GisborneWairoa section of East Coast Railway. For three years Captain Ball has been the only C.A. Evangelist m New Zealand, he will greatly rejoice m the companionship of a Co-worker of the Church Army m the near vicinity. And we trust that the prayers ol our people will continue to he offered on behalf of the work they undertake; that they may be sustained and sup ported as Aye link hands m prayer with them at the Throne of Grace. May they truly represent our Lord and Saviour to those who have lost their vision of Him "who loved us and gave Himself for us."

The Flower Show and Sale last' month m aid of the New Church Fund wais an outstanding success: with no charge for admission and no raffles or guessing competitions, the amount of £143 was cleared during the morning and afternoon. There was a splendid band of whole-hearted workers. Th© stalls were very fully stocked, due to .the work of the Women's and Girls' Guilds for some months, and the wonderful and cheerful generosity of parishioners. The Judge (Mr J. G. Weightman, of Feiiding) considered the show of bulbs and other spring flowers to be an excellent one, and the weather was perfect. Hence the results The Rev. G. A. Young. Vicar-elect of Shannon, kindly took the services last month on the Sunday the Vicar was away m Christchurch conducting a retreat for the Community of the Sacred Name, and the Sisters of St. George's Church Hospital. The amount m cash and promises for the New Church Building Fund is now about £3050, and it is hoped to make a start with the building soon.