Presbyterian Outfields Hold Annual Meeting

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 89, 30 August 1950, Page 4

Presbyterian Outfields Hold Annual Meeting

The annual' meeting of the Rangitaiki Presbyterian outfields was held in the Otamarakau Public Hall. The meeting was well attended, representatives coming from as far as Manawahe and Rotoma. The moderator, Rev. H. J. Crawford, of Te Puke, presided and delivered* an address.

The session report, which was read by the Minister, Rev. A. H. Norrie, showed that the usual services at Matata, Manawahe. Otamarakau, Pukehina, Pongakawa and Pongakawa Vliey had been maintained. In spite of removals from the * district the number of communicants had increased. Death had claimed a belgved and devoted elder in the person of the late Mr F. A. Fulton of Pongakawa Valley. Last year he and Mr D. J. Badcock of Ohinepanea had been ordained as elders. Faithful work had been done by the Sunday School teachers of Matata, Otamarakau and Pongakawa Valley. A new school had been started at Manawahe, the one at Pukehina had been resuscitated. The attendance of children at church services had increased.

An offer was made by Mr Don Shearer to start a Bible Class at Pukehina. The usual Scriptual lessons in the Pukehina Maori School had been continued. The reports of the Matata and Otamarakau Women's Missionary Unions showed that increased interest had been shown in their work. At Matata two sales had been held, one for church funds and the other to buy materials to line the church hall. Otamarakau reported that the nual garden party held in Mr J. Pattie's grounds at Pukehina was a great success. At Rotoma Lake a combined church picnic was held at which the young people of Manawahe had a stall for Mission funds. The services of various church organists were acknowledged and thanks were expressed to the Te Puke Church Committee and to the several public halls and school committees for the use of their buildings for church purposes. During the year owing to pressure of other/ duties the esteemed moderator, Rev. J. H. Starnes, of Edgecumbe resigned and the Presbytery appointed Rev. H. J. Crawford of Te Puke. A suitable presentation was made to Mr Starnes at his Manse for his long and efficient services. The ladies also presented Mrs Starnes with a token of their esteem.

The financial statement, which was read by Mr R. G. Logan, sec-retary-treasurer, showed that all general expenses had been met and a much larger amount had been contributed, especially to Mission work. A new car had been purchased under the Dominion Home Ministry Scheme and it was anticipated that the balance still owing would be paid at the end of next year.

The previous: committee was reelected. Votes of thanks were accorded to the minister and his wife for their work, to the moderator for presiding, to his elder Mr Mollgaard for accompanying him and to the honorary auditor and Miss Crawford the typist from Manawahe.

Authority was given the Matata members to raise funds to enlarge their hall for Sunday School purposes. It was also agreed to start a general building fund.