ANNUAL MEETINGS

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 25, Issue 9, 1 September 1935, Page 1

ANNUAL MEETINGS

ST. ANDREW'S, PORT AHURIRI.

The annual meeting was held on Monday, August 12, when there was a fair attendance of parishioners. After the opening of the meeting, the vicar referred to the loss the parish had suffered by the passing of his warden, Mr. W. Norman. The vicar spoke of him as friend, brother and father combined, His work and inspiring influence' would ever remain a treasured gift. What was equally wonderful was the way his good wife accepted the office of vicar's warden m his stead; something possibly unique; but it just went to show the depth and real, devotion and loyalty to God's Church. The following officers were elected for tlie ensuing year: — Vicar's warden, Mrs. W. Norman; people's warden, Mr. Frank Smith; vestry, Mrs. Osborne, Miss L. Grant, Miss V. Prebble, Mr. H. J. Hull, Mr. Heath, Mr. F. C. Clark, Mr. Cowper Smith and Mr. T. Sweeting. The churchwarden's report read as follows: — "In presenting the annual report for the year ending June 3tfth, 1935, the vestry and churchwardens of St. Andrew's report that the past year lias been a difficult one but satisfactory. Mr. P. Nield left us at the beginning of the year to take an appointment m Wellington. Mr. Neild has always been an ardent worker for St. Andrew's both as a vestryman and a Sunday School teacher. We wish to place on record our sincere appreciation of his services and to express regret at his departure. We wish him every success m his new work. "Mr. Smith, our peoples' warden, has been working out of town for many months and his services have been greatly missed. The vicar's task has not been an easy one, he has had to undertake many duties that would otherwise have been carried out by his vestryman. "Our financial position leaves much to be desired. Our bank account showed a debit balance of £30 14s 7d. The collections have fallen off during the year. Many who gave by

the envelope system have discontinued, their subscriptions and others, have .reduced the amount. Many regular subscribers have again given us their, support, and some new ones have sent us donations. We tender them our sincere thanks. "Our evening service is poorly attended, which is to be regretted, but if some lights shine dimly, others shine more gloriously, and outstanding amongst these is our eight o'clock celebration of Holy Communion. "It is quite common for us to have between 30 and 40 Communicants at this service, and many of them young people. We do feel that with so many going forth from our Church fortified by God's Holy Food we can face the future with strong courage and unshrinking faith. "A pair of beautiful brass candlesticks, a gift from the vicar, m memory of his mother, are now m place on the altar, and are an added beauty to our little Church. "Our Sunday School continues to do good work under the wise leadership of Mir. Hull and Miss Grant. We thank them and the assistant teachers for their splendid work. "Mr. Wilkinson, our organist, is most faithful and helpful m his work, and the vestry and parishioners thank him most sincerely. "Mrs. Tait continues to help us by cleaning the Church each week, and we thank her for the excellent way she fulfils this duty. "Our Mothers' Union is a very active body. We have a membership of 55, this being a record. ' Our meetings are well attended, and the atmosphere of spirituality and good fellowship that pervades our meetings is most noticeable. "During the Summer, Mr. Smith made some alterations to the Church windows for the purpose of improving the ventilation, which is now very satisfactory. "On Sunday, March 24th, we held a Harvest Thanksgiving Service. His Lordship the Bishop of Waiapu preached at the evening service. The Church was beautifully decorated, and we received many gifts of produce, etc., which were later given to St. Mary's Home. "During the year we had a visit from the Church Army Flying Column.

The Mission continued for a week. The attendance was disappointing, but we hope those who attended received much benefit. "In conclusion, we thank all who have helped our Church during the year, and we congratulate the vicar for his splendid work, and thank him for the generous help and encouragement he has given to his parishioners, and particularly for his work amongst the young people; by his sincerity and kindliness he has won their love and esteem, and his influence must have a far-reaching effect upon their lives when they go out into the world. In this splendid work he has had the loyal co-operation of Mrs. Brierley, and, on behalf of the vestry and parishioners, we thank them very sincerely for their very real portrayal of Our Master's own example when He looked upon His people and said, "Be hold My Mother and My Brethren." WAIPIRO PAROCHIAL DISTRICT. (J. J. Anderson.) The annual meeting was held at Tokomaru Bay, on August 7th. The financial statement showed the parish free of debt, with a credit balance of £76. In addition, the sum of £338 had been given to the General Diocesan Fund and Foreign Missions. The vicar thanked all those who were associated with the various pajrish organisations. The Ladies' Guild was again functioning with a view to the erection of a parish hall at Tokomaru Bay. This object really involved a greater principle, the future dimensions of the parish. Should there again be subdivision, the question of the most suitable centre for the vicarage would have to be decided. The following Church officers were elected for the year: : — Vicar's warden, Mr. A. B. Williams; parishioners' warden, Mr. F. Thompson; vestry, Messrs M. W. Halliwell (Te Arawa), M. Gudgeon (Tikitiki), H. E. Willams, A. J. Kirkham (Ruatoria), Jas. Busby, Dr. W. W. Williams, W. S. Thompson, C. E. Nurse, W. Brydon, A. Morgan. .Following the example of other .centres m the parish, a Men's Committee was elected for Tokomaru Bay. We offer our sympathy to the family of the late Hatara Te Awarau Matehe. He was closely identified with the life of the East Coast, and went overseas

to Gallipoli during the war. He was associated with the building of the Church of Abraham, Waipiro Bay, and always took a keen interest m its welfare. He was laid to rest with military honours m the presence of a large and representative gathering. A childrens' Bible Class, which meets, m the vicarage, is very regularly attended, and appreciated by the youthful members of the Church. The members of the Ladies' Guild are working with great enthusiasm for a Juiblee Pair to be held m November. A very generous offer has been made to subsidise all amounts raised by the Guild for building purposes. We welcome Miss Biddle, who has just arrived from England, and hopes to take up Maori Mission work. It is proposed that a new area will be worked with the centre at Tikitiki. TARADALE. The annual meeting was held on August 7th, about 25 being present. The treasurer, Mr. H. R. Clark, reported that the financial position had improved to the extent of £118. The' Diamond Jubilee Fund closed at £271. The vicar reported 1129 Communions, 44 baptisms, 2 marriages, 12 burials, 16 confirmations. Sunday Schools and Bible Classes were reported on. The Mothers' Union continues its good work, and recently visited St. Andrew's 35 strong. The people's warden, Mr. H. R. Clark, and the vicar's warden, Mr. J. F. Langley, were reappointed, with Messrs Wiseman, Hunt, Lisette, Brunton, Ellis and Dunnage as vestrymen. A special meeting to consider the question of deparishing was called for Wednesday, September 4th, at 8 p.m., when the Yen. Archdeacon Maclean is to be invited to be present, and speak on the question. Votes of thanks were heartily accorded the vicar and Mrs. Frost, retiring vestrymen, organists, and auditor. A dainty supper was partaken of, for which the ladies were thanked. TE KARAKA. The annual meeting held m the Parish Hall last month was fairly well attended. The report commenced with an expression of the keen regret felt m the parish at the departure of the Reverend A. R. H. Morris. The general high tone and keenness m the fellowship of the Church

m the district are but indications of the intense religious zeal he displayed m his lour years' ministry. The district, and, m fact, the diocese, sustained a grievous loss m his departure for England. We extend to him hearty congratulations on his engagement to Miss Hope Manders. Sunday School work m Te Karaka has been somewhat crippled since the departure of Miss D. Mathews to Warkworth m April. It is impossible to over-value the six years of devoted service given by Miss Mathews. The departure to England of Mr. and Mrs. Feather has also left a distinct gap m keen Church workers. Miss O'Hara Smith will be m England for a year, and Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Holdsworth are on a health trip of some months. Supplementing the Bousfield memorial furniture, some new hassocks were given by Mrs. B. J. Holdsworth, and the old one recovered by members of the St. Johns' Guild. The appearance of the Church has been much improved. The Guild has had a successful year, and performed its many tasks with its customary zeal. A box of gifts to the Mission Field, two parcels to the homes, the weekly cleaning of the Church and hall, the running of a large and successful flower show, substantial donations to the Mission Quota, Sunday School, General Funds, to the purchase of the parish car and the installation of an electric stove and hot water system m the vicarage, is but a brief summary of its various activities. Mrs. J. G. Appleton was re-elected president; Miss E. S. Maclean, secretary; and Mrs. C. G. Holdsworth, treasurer. The Waipaoa, Laches' Guild hap recommenced activities, with Mrs. R. H. Shanks as president. The danger oJ! the dampening effect of small numbers is more than overcome by the zeal and enthusiasm of the members, and they are working hard on behalf of the" homes. The Kanakanaia congregation have had their organ renovated, and the Church members at Pulia donated a handsome cloth to be used at the services there. The year has been one of heavy financial drain on the parishioners, but their loyal support has enabled the vestry to present a balance sheet which must be considered satisfactory. The system of direct giving is working

extremely well, and but a vei*y small proportion promised is outstanding. Owing to the departure of Mr. Morris, an appeal was made for funds to purchase his car m terms of the agreement made with him; the response was most gratifying, and realised just over one hundred pounds. The G.D.F. quota" was exceeded by £10, but, unfortunately, the Missionary quota was £10 short. The general parish fund shows a small credit balance. In the election of officers, Mr. J. G. Appleton accepted reappointment as vicar's warden, and Mr. L. H. L. Maclean was re-elected as people's warden. The vestry will be Messrs Clark, Newton, Manuel, Howard, Fitzgerald, Stone and Colonel Dowding. Despite the inclement weather, there was a large gathering at the annual meeting m Motu. After the general parish report, mention was made of the commencement of a new Sunday School and a monthly week night service. The St. Paul's Ladies' Guild are to be congratulated on their year's work, and the care they have given to the Church and grounds. Mrs. Bridge was re-elected president, and Mrs. Legge secretary, for the ensuing year. Mr. A. R. Pearce was again appointed vicar's warden, and Mr. R. S. Fisher peoples' warden. At the close of the meeting a very pleasant social evening was held; music for dancing being supplied by Mr. C. G. Anderson, items being given by Miss Una Reed and the vicar, and supper supplied by members of the Guild. ORMONDVILLE. The friends of Mr. L. J. Skerman, of "Te Whiti," Norsewood, who recently underwent a serious operation at Wellington, will be pleased to know that he is making steady progress. We pray that he may be soon restored to health, and able to resume his place m the life of the parish. A very pleasant gathering of Matairvau parishioners was held at the residence of Mr. S. N l . Drew last month, the occasion being to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. C. W. N. Russell, who have been zealous workers m the parish for many years, and who were leaving to reside m Gisborne. Mrs. Russell was presentee! with a beautiful flower bowl, which carried with it the kind Avishes of many friends. Recently, Miss Beattie, the Youth

Organiser, of the Diocese, paid us a visit to observe the methods of Sunday School work m a country parish. She was pleased with the children's work, and congratulated the superintendents. Many helpful suggestions were exchanged. Mr. Alan Hosking, an Ormondville boy from the Auckland Training College, is spending the vacation with his mother, and has assisted the vicar with services — much to the delight of parishioners. We would like to see more young men follow this example, and take their part m the offices of the Church. At a meeting of mothers at Makotuku it was unanimously decided to form a branch of the Mothers' Union m this parish. Arrangements were made for the first meeting to be held on 21st August. — S. E. R. CORBIN.