PAROCHIAL NOTES.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 26, Issue 5, 1 May 1936, Page 4

PAROCHIAL NOTES.

ROTORUA. (R. Hodgson.) The week-day services m the parish church were not very well attended, while the same services at Ngongotaha and Mamaku were appreciated and well attended. But Holy Week was much better observed, and. the attendances at the 7 a.m. Holy Communion and evening service each day were quite good. The clergy of all denominations here have put up a good fight to have secular pictures on Good Friday stopped, and only lost the day on the casting vote of the Mayor. A petition signed by 1100 citizens m support of the clergy protest was a great encouragement to the clergy, who are of opinion that m future years, with the same backing and by getting to work earlier this wrong will not be repeated. It has been a pleasure to work with our Roman, Presbyterian and. Methodist brethren m this effort. The services on Good Friday were well attended, and the Three Hours' Devotions seem to be supplying a need. The Procession of Witness composed of Over 100

people and with one station where a brief address was given by Captain H. Sutcliffe, C.A., called a good deal of attention to the solemnity of the day, and the lantern service following had a full congregation. The church on Easter Day was most beautifully decorated, and there was a real atmosphere of worship and joy m evidence. Rotorua was full of visitors, and the services were very well attended, some being unable to gain admittance at evensong. The C.E.M.S. which has lacked fine promises to be raised to newness of life. Capt. H. Sutcliffe and Cadet Tanner, with the Church Army caravan, are now actively at work m this large parish, where much good is anticipated from their labours. WAIPUKURAU. In spite of the bad season, quite a good lot of produce was sent m for the Harvest Festival, and a large load was sent afterwards to both Abbotsford and St. Hilda's. A beautiful processional cross has been presented to the church by a parishioner, and it has been used for processions at the Harvest Festival and on Easter Day. The Three Hours' service on Good Friday was taken by the Vicar, and was very well attended, the church being almost full during the last hour. At the Mothers' Union annual meeting, Mrs. J. Hill was elected presiding members, Mrs. K. Donald, secretary, and Mrs. W. G. Cook, treasurer. A corporate Communion was held on Lady Day at Waipawa with the Waipawa and Takapau branches, followed by a very happy morning tea. About twenty people, mostly church people, have adopted the excellent stimulus to deeper Christian living m the Oxford Group Movement; the results are seen m a 'more earnest and fuller use of the church and sacraments. TOLAGA BAY NOTES. We were very pleased to welcomed Mr. Ivan Menzies and his team when they came to tell us about the Oxford Group Movement on a recent Sunday. Those who came to the meeting were all greatly impressed with what they heard, and we hope that thig meeting may help towards greater things later on. We had a

very happy Easter, and our little church was beautifully decorated for the Festival. Our Garden Fete, which had to be held m the Parish Hall owing to the weather, was a great -success, and the hall will be painted before long. WOODVILLE. Another severe loss to the parish is the departure Of Mr. and Mrs. -Jaine and four children to Masterton. Mr, Jaine, for several years, was superintendent of the Sunday School and Vestry, from which he resigned some time ago, he has lately done good work as Scout Master to the local troop. Mrs. Jaine, as . member of the Guild, for some time secretary and treasurer, will be a .severe loss, and the children have all had their part m the Church life of the parish — Keith as Reader at the children's monthly service and Sunday School teacher, Evan as soloist m the children's choir, and the others m Sunday School. A parish sendoff was accorded them on Easter Saturday, and a small purse presented to the. family. Another family, Mrs. Turner and her sons, have left their farm, and are seeking better avenues of work. We shall miss them sorely. Another family also, Mr. iand Mrs. Brice, have left for Ashhurst. We shall miss Peggy, a loyal little member of the children's choir and Sunday School. The attendance at the Lenten services was disappointing, but on Good Friday better. Easter Day attendance exceeded expectations, and just •oh 100 made their Easter Communion, ■Others intend doing so next Sunday.