PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 79, 12 September 1947, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

RANGITAIKI OUTFIELDS MEETING AT MATATA The annual meeting of the Rangitaiki Presbyterian Outfields was held in the Matata Church Hall on the evening of September 3, 1947. There was a representative attendance, including members from Pongakawa, Otamarakau, Manawahe, as well as Matata. The Moderator. Rev. J. H. Starnes, 8.A., of Edgeeumbe, presided. The Session report, which ,was read by the Minister, Rev. A. H. Norrie, showed that although there had been a number of removals from the district, the number on the Communion Roll had increased. Death had removed two valued roll members viz., Mrs G. C. Todd of Otamarakau, an early member, who had endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact and Mr J. M. Park, a member of the Committee of Management, whose tragic death cast a deep gloom over the district.

Another early member in the person of Mrs Ruth Langeson 6f Matata also passed away after a long period of suffering born with great Christian fortitude.

The Session offered the great consolations of the Christian religion to all who had suffered bereavement in the district. The thanks of the Session were due to the officials of St. Andrew’s Church, Te Puke, for' the use of

their church for a number of weddings and funerals. Thankfulness was expressed for the safe return from Japan of Messrs. E. M. Taylor and Bruce Gordon.

A Sunday School had been held every service day at Matata and Miss Betty Taylor had started a weekly one at Awakaponga. Mrs F. A. Fulton continued the good work at Pongakawa Valley. During the year arrangements had been made at Otamarakau Pukehina for the children to receive instruction from a teacher during the morning service. In conjunction with the Anglican Maori Minister, Scriptural lessons had been given weekly at Pukehina Native School. A Senior Bible Class also met weekly at the Pongakawa Public Hall, and the subjects discussed were a wide interest. Thanks were accorded the following organists for their voluntary services: Mesdames G. Gordon, Pukehina and Pongakawa; B. Wilkins, Matata; G. Mortensen, Otamarakau; Mrs-Reid, Manawahe; and Mrs Hansen, Pongakawa Valley, Misses 8.. Borwn, J. Norrie and others for occasional help. An encouraging report of the Presbyterian Missionary Union at Pukehina and Otamarakau was given by Mr M. Cameron. The financial statement which was given by Mrs B. Wilkins, honorary secretary and treasurer-, showed that the giving of the people in the district to the work of the church had substantially increased. After making provision for depreciation on the church car and paying all expenses the year closed with a small balance. It' was decided to endeavour to build up further the car replacement fund, and to shoulder the extra increase in the maintenance of the Ministry. The previous Committee of Management was re-elected, with the addition of the name of Mr G. Mortensen, of Otamarakau.

It was unanimously agreed that with reference to the proposed Government Masterton Licensing Trust Bill to protest against the provision for. alcoholic drinks to be sold in restaurants.

A comprehensive vote, of thanks was accorded to al who had in any way helped during the year. A dainty supper was served at the close of the meeting.