PARISH MEETINGS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1914, 13 April 1880, Page 3

PARISH MEETINGS.

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Michael’s took place in the schoolroom last evening. Mr Oherrill was elected to the chair, on the motion of Mr Palmer, who stated that it was necessary a churchwarden should take the chair in the absence of the incumbent, and the Rov. Mr Penny was too unwell to bo present. The Chairman expressed regret, which he felt would be generally experienced, at the indisposition of the incumbent. The business of the evening, he suggested, should bo confined to strictly necossary matters, and the parishioners might hold another meeting on the Rev. Mr Penny recovering, which it was hoped would be soon, and that gentleman would then be able to deliver an address, as was customary with him at parish meetings. Mr Harman, in submitting the annual statement of accounts, said the accounts would be found in a satisfactory condition, considering all that had been done in the way of building, &0., during a period which might be called one of considerable financial difficulty. The general indebtedness of the parish was less now than it had been the same time last year, and they had obtained a share of the loan raised on the Christchurch parsonage reserve, at the small rate of three and a half per cent, interest, and the loan had resulted in considerable gain to the parish. But the vestry were not altogether satisfied with the state of things, comparing the certain expenditure with the certain receipts of the parish. The certain receipts were estimated at £750 a year, and the expenditure, with interest on loan included, amounted to £BSO a year. They recognised therefore the desirability of adopting some plan by which an income could be raised annually, with the certainty of the revenue derived from seat rents, so as to meet the expenditure, which as shown, at present exceeded the income by about £2OO. The financial statement was then approved. The Chairman stated that the incumbent had appointed Mr R. J. S. Harman as his churchwarden for the ensuing year.

Mr Oherrill was asked to fill the office of pariohioners’ churchwarden, but declined. Mr Bennett was then elected to the office of parishioners’ churchwarden. The following gentlemen were appointed on tho vestry:—Messrs Cherrill, Evans, Palmer, Brittan, Hawkcs, Hockley, Field, Dr. Irving, Hawley, Lane. In considering tho question raised of Mr Harman as to the necessity by adding to the revenue of the church, Mr Palmer moved—“ That it be a recommendation to the incoming vestry to take in hand the collection of a special subscription for the purpose of supplementing the income of the church, to the extent of about £150.” Mr Harman seconded tho motion of Mr Palmer, which he thought, if properly carried out, would attain the object desired, aad thus settle the difficulty which had stood in their way for years. He pointed out that on the matter being generally understood in the pariah, the collector on his regular visit could also collect the special subscription for the object named. The motion was carried nem. con.

Mr Brittan entered into an explanation of the school and buildingjacoounts, and moved—- “ That a committee be appointed to have the management of the school funds, and manage the details connected with the parish school; the committee to consist of the incumbent of St. Michael’s, the churchwardens, and Messrs Evans, Hawley, and the mover.” Seconded by Mr Tancred and carried. Votes of thanks were given to the Ladies’ Work Guild for the valuable services they had rendered during the year ; to the superintendent and teachers of the Sunday school ; to the choirmaster and ladies and gentlemen of the choir, the name of Mr Palairet being specially mentioned in connection therewith ; and a vote of thanks to the chairman. The meeting then adjourned.