PORANGAHAU.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 26, Issue 10, 1 October 1936, Page 4

PORANGAHAU.

(Rev. W. S.G. Cameron, Vicar.) The annual general meeting of parishioners was held on August 12th, with a small number of parishioners present, though many apologies for absence were received. It is felt m several quarters that an evening meeting would be more convenient. The Vicar's report showed that the year had been a favourable one,there being indications of growth and development m several directions. The Acts of Communion, an increase of 74 over the previous year, were the largest number for several years, and offertories and subscriptions showed increases also. The debit balance of over £90 had been overtaken, and once again we were starting the year just about square after several years with an overdraft, the Vicar expressing his appre^ ciation to all who had helped to make this possible. Reference was made to the difficulties attached to Sunday School work m such a scattered district, and the way m which the Mail Bag S.S. was helping to meet some of the difficulties. To provide religious instruction m seven State schools scattered over so wide an area was also a problem, and appreciation of the co-operation of the head teachers m the schools where instructions could be given was recorded. The valuable help and co-

operation of St. Michael's Ladies' Guild, under* the leadership of Mrs. Cameron, and the welcome assistance of the Ladies' Social Committees at Wainui, under Mrs. F. Herrick, and at Wallingford, under Mrs. J. D. Ormond, were also noted. The work of the Missions Secretary, Miss P. White, was eulogised, and reference made to the Wallingford Young Peoples' Guild and the Lone Members' Branch of the New Zealand Anglican Girls' Bible Class Union. Successful flag 500 and social evenings had been held fortnightly at Porangahau, and the committee, Mesdames G. M. Sargisson and W. S. G. Cameron, and Mr. E. White, had directed the proceeds to the much-needed care and improvement of the church grounds. Two confirmations had been held during the year at Porangahau and Weber, when fifteen persons were presented. Sunday observance was commented upon and the statement commended by tthe Archbishop of Canterbury, and issued on behalf of the Archbishops of York and Wales read. The question of the 40-hour week was not thought likely to help Sunday to be better observed. The laundering of vestments and altar linen by Mrs. J. W. Cook, snr., and the weekly supply of altar flowers by Mrs. G. M. Sargisson, and their arranging by Miss Sargisson, were duly acknowledged, as also the valued services rendered by all church workers, especially wardens, vestry, Sunday School teachers, and lay-readers. The wardens and vestry for the ensuing year are: — Vicar's Warden: Mr. J. D. Ormond (re-appointed). People's Warden: Mr. G. M. Sargisson (re-elected). Vestry: Mesdames F. Herrick, H. Pope, Percy Hunter, and Messrs. F. Herrick, A. W. S. Longley, A. H. Morgans, H. E. Watt, R. St. Hill Warren, R. P. Wilder and A. H. Hope, m place of Mrs. T. Hobson, resigned. Miss Palmer and Mr. L. G. Crosse, snr., were appointed Weber representatives. A welcome afternoon tea was dispensed by members of the Ladies' Guild, and, at the close of the meeting, a vestry meeting held, when a sub-committee was set up with power

to act with reference to the urgent repairs required to the vicarage, mostly caused by the flood damage on February 2nd. Confirmation. — On Sunday, August 30th, the Bishop of the Diocese administered this Sacrament to Mesdames M. M.. Wakelin, M. A. Dean, and the Misses (X I. Thelwall and I. M. Skinner, at Porangahau. Thanks.— St. 'Michael's Ladies' Guild has given three attractive electric light lamp shades for the church at Porangahau, which will be a great improvement and anti-glare. The children's annual fancy dress dance, kindly organised by Mrs. J. D. Ormond, took place m the woolshed at Wallingford on the 12th inst., when the capacity of the shed was taxed to the utmost. As usual, it was a very enjoyable and attractive evening, and our appreciation is extended to all who helped to make it so, Our church funds benefited by about £21.