PEAL OF BELLS AT PAPANUI.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2005, 28 July 1880, Page 3

PEAL OF BELLS AT PAPANUI.

The quiet and pretty village of Papanui presented yesterday a scene of unusual gaiety. The occasion was the first ringing of a fine peed of bells presented to the Church of Be. Paul by Mr J. T. Matson, an old resident in tho neighborhood. The bells, five in number, weighing in a 1 260 wt., of which the tenor is ■6Jowt., are hung in the tower of the church, a handsome little edifice, which, with its neat grounds and well-kept graveyard, is quua suggestive of many an other similar place in lands far away. The building is a wooden structure, and when built there was no prospect of the present addition. Tbe tower has, therefore been strengthened at a considerable cost. This work, which was done by Mr Godfrey, of Papanui, has been executed in a very substantial manner, there being little vibration to be felt when tbe bolls are in full swing. Tho bells are of excellent tone, and throughout tho day were amply tested, the result being pleasing and satisfactory to all concerned. The proceedings were commenced by a special eervice in the church, at which the Rev. F. G. Brittan read prayers, the Rev. G. Penny tho lessons, and his Lordship the Bishop of Christchurch delivered a short address, while the service, which was full choral, was rendered by tho choir of the church, assisted by soma gentlemen from Christchurch. Afterwards a numerous company of parishioners and guests sat down to a substantial luncheon in the Sunday schoolroom , which was prettily decorated for the occasion. The chair was occupied by the rev. the Incumbent, with his Lordship tho Bishop on his left hand, and Mr Matson on the other side. After luncheon the incumbent, after congratulating all present on the occasion of the meeting, requested his Lordship to present the following address to the guest of the day, the munificent donor of the bells; To J. T. Matson, Esq., Springfield. Sir —The parishioners of St. Paul s, Papanui. hereby desire to place on record their grateful acknowledgment of your generous donation to the ohnrch of a peal of bells, a gift not only valuable for its intrinsic worth, but one which in its nature is dear to very many from its association with their reminiscences of earlier days in other lands. They feel thafc the parish is to be congratulated upon the acquisition of ao complete a ring, the first erected in the suburbs of Christchurch, and for size and finish, for clearness and purity of tone probably unsurpassed in the country. While they thus thankfully accept this handsome addition to the temporal possessions of the Church, as not unworthy of the high purposes to which it has this day been dedicated, they venture at the same time to express a hope that, together with yonr family, you may long be resident amongst them to be cheered by the merry ringing of the bells. Signed for and on behalf of the parishioners, F. G. Brittan, M.A., Incumbent. Wx. Norman, Chas. Jennings, Churchwardens. His Lordship having read the address, made a few appropriate remarks, and Mr Matson replied in a suitable and feeling manner, assuring those present that the compliment was very welcome to him, although entirely unexpected. As for his gift, he was glad to find that it had such an appreciative reception, not that it was any great effort of his own, for he loved the spot, and never would relax his interest in tho place ho knew eo well. Tho address is beautifully emblazoned on parchment in colors and gold by Mr Goodman ; the frame is of elaborately inlaid native woods, the workmanship of Mr Howell, of Christchurch. > The luncheon, which was open to all, was partaken of in relays by a large number of visitors. The caterer was Mr Amyes, of the Papanui Hotel, and he did his duty very creditably. Daring the afternoon cricket, football, and other amusements were carried on in an adjacent paddock, the juveniles being especially oared for. The Railway band, whose services had been provided by the thoughtfulness of a friend, played untiringly throughout the day in their best style. The day was one of the finest of the very fine season we have lately experienced, and the proceedings from beginning to end had no hitch of any kind. In the evening a musical and dramatic entertainment took place in the schoolroom, at which the attendance was numerous and applause enthusiastic, thus finishing a day long to be remembered be the people of Papanui.