THE CHURCHES
ST. PETER'S PARISH AiNNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of parishioners of St. l'etur's Church was hold last evening in the schoolroom, Ghuznee Street. Tne vicar (liev. H. Watson, M.A.) presided, and there was a moderate attendance of parishioners. The annual report stated that the general offertories totalled JiSOo 3s. 9d., an average of il7 17s. lOd. for tlie 45 Sundays, which was believed to be the highest average t'ho parish had attained. The special offertories amounted to .£213 7s. 7<1., and other receipts for extra parochial objects amounting to ,£59 16s. 7d., had been paid over, h'l'e expenditure had been normal, and of the usual character. The Taranaki Street and Goo<l Shepherd' Missions again presented satisfactory positions, and a further sum of had been paid off the principal of the mortgage on Che Holloway Road property. It was reported that the organ required immediate attention, having got into a serious condition, necessiting an expenditure of JiGoO to =£1000 to effect the necessary repairs. Of this amount iiiiU had already been received or promised, and a further appeal would shortly be made to the parishioners to enable the work to be carried out. Mr. R. \Vilberfoss t people's churchwarden, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said _ the finances were in a satisfactory condition, Considering the many calls that wore now being mado on parishioners. The offertories had never been approached, much less equalled, in'any previous year. Dr. Fyffe, in referring to the organ, said the instrument, had been erected aboilt 33 years ago, and ■while the stops wore all right and the tone extremely sweet, the action of the organ had gone to pieces, and there was great difficulty in playing it. He pointed out that if the money was not spent immediately they would have no organ, . and that within six or twelve months.' The instrument was in a very dirty condition, for it had not been cleaned for ton years. To put in the action alone would cost over XGflfl, and he would like to have l'our more stops put in, which would cost less now than later on. He referred in terms of high prnise of the choir, and held that St. Peter's Church Choir was the beat in New Zealand. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. 1 The election of officers _ resulted as follows: Churchwardens—Vicar's, Captain T. H. Chudley; parishioners'—Mr. D. W. Anderson; vestrymen—Messrs. R. Wilbcrfoss, A. Richards, H. JF. Allen, W, E. Bethune, S. G. Hamerton, G G. Hodgkins, G. Lawrence, G. W. Robinson, G. Didslmry, and Dr. Pollen; auditorsMessrs. A. H. IJoilis and C. \\. Kreeft. With respect to the qualifications of parishioners to vote at parish meetings, it was resolved to recommend synod to adopt the suggestions of the Archbishops' Committee in England. If synod accepts this the franchise will be greatly widened, and the women will have the vote. Mr. A. Richards moved:—"That it be a recommendation to the vestry that seat rents in St. Petor's be abolished as from September 30. 1918." This was seconded by Mr. H. F. Allen, who said he was heartily in favour of tho matter. Thore were n\any seat-holders who were prepared to give by w<\v of donation double the amount of their pew rents. He was certain that if the parishioners were approached they would heartily support the matter. He did not' think the finances would be affected, and he was prepared to subscribe ,C 5 a year to further tho matter. Tho resolution was carried. ST. AUGUSTINE'S, PETONE. Tho following officers were elected at the annual meeting of the. parishioners .of St. Augustine's Church. Petone:— Vicar's warden. Mr. J. G. Castle; people's warden, Mr. G. Hcathcote; vestrymen. Messrs. J. J. Abrahall, W. E. Claridge, G. A'. Clark, G. H. Harrison, A. E. Morgan, F. L. Mathews, .1. H. Sherwin, C. W. Watts. L. Wobloy, J. G. Wight; auditors, Messrs. Hicks and L. Marsden. A motion, entitling every person of 21 years and upwards living in tho parish to vote at parish meetings was carried. This will place women in the same position as men as regards voting at church meotings and holding positions as church wardens and members of- the vestry. HTJTT METHODIST CIRCUIT. At tho quarterly meeting of the Hutt Methodist Circuit tho ltev. D. J. Murray presided, and twelve officials were in attendance. The membership returns remained as at the previous quarter. Tho finances showed a marked improvement. The income for tho quarter was ,£95 18s. Id. A circuit debt of-"3512 ISs. 9<L was paid, and a credit balanco of .£5 15s. was carried forward. ' The reports from Sunday schools were very encouraging, and the Junior Christian Endeavour reported increased attendance and interest. Mr. W. I l '. Armitage gave an interesting report of the annual conference held in Dunedin in February. A letter of thanks was ordered to be sent to The Strollers" for the financial assistance received from the concert which they gave for tho circuit fund. On the motion of the senior steward (Mr. W. Walton) a motion of appreciation and continued confidence was unanimously and heartily passed to the Rev. D. J. Murray for his most acceptable ministry dining tho past year, and the hope was expressed that his services would be available for tiio circuit for a long time to come. Mr. Murray acknowledged the compliment. The conference's reoommondation that the ministerial stipend should be increased was favourably considered, and a committee was appointed to discuss ways and means and report to tho next meeting.
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Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 180, 19 April 1918, Page 3
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920THE CHURCHES Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 180, 19 April 1918, Page 3
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