RANGITAIKI OUTFIELDS CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 98, 22 September 1948, Page 5

RANGITAIKI OUTFIELDS CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING

The Rangitaiki Presbyterian Outfields annual meeting was held in the Pukehina Public Hall last week. There was a fair attendance, but a number of apologies, owing to sickness, were received. Representatives were present from Matata, Ohinepanea, Pongakawa Yally, Pongakawa and Pukehina.

The Moderator, Rev. <J. H. Starnes, B.A. of Edgecumbe, presidecl. The Session Report, which was read by the Minister, Rev. A. H. Norrie, showed that services <had been held twice monthly at Matata, Manawahe and Otamarakau. Monthly at Pukehina, Pongakawa and Pongakawa Valley. The average attendance was slightly smaller than last year owing to the children and many of the parents being unable to attend during the infantile paralysis restrictioris. The latter had seriously interfered with Sunday School and Bible Class work.

During the year the congregation had suffered a grievous loss in the • death of Mr Robert Wilson of Awa- . kaponga, who was one of the first ■ elders of the parish, and who .continued to serve faithfully and efficiently until his sudden death Mr William Alfred Todd, of Otamara;kau, another eaidy member had, • after a long and consistent Christian life, passed away to rest. The Session offered the, great consolations of Christian faith to all members* and adherents who had suffered bereavement during the ;year. The Presbyterian Wofrien’s Missionary Union reports showed that good work was being done in organising sales of work, collecting .Mission funds and sending parcels to the Maori Mission Stations. The minister had officiated at a number of Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals and the thanks of the Session were tendered to St. Andrew’s -Church, Te Puke, for the use of the -Church on several occasions, also thanks were due to the several public hall and school committees for the use of their buildings. The statement of receipts and expenditure for the year was read by the honorary secretary and treasurer, Mrs B. Wilkins, of Thornton. It showed all commitments had been —met and the year closed with a small •credit balance. During the year a fund had been collected for the replacement of the church car but as this had not been sufficient for the purpose it was agreed that a further effort should be made. A special collection in aid of the Student and Bursary Fund of the Presbytery was authorised. The previous committee was re--elected with the addition of Mr D. ,J. Badcock of Ohinepaned. Votes of thanks were passed to the several organists and appreciation was expressed of the good work 'of the Minister and his wife. The •meeting expressed its great indebtedness to the faithful and efficient , -services of the honorary secretary and treasurer, Mrs B. Wilkins. A -vote of thanks was accorded the for presiding. Supper was served at the close.