ST. JAMES’ RICCARTON

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1928, Page 1

ST. JAMES’ RICCARTON

(Lyttelton Times). The annual meeting of fit. .lames’ par'ishin'iiers was held in the Kircarton Ton'll Hall on Thursday, Alav 3, when there was a record attendance. The vicar (the Rev H. .Nelson Wright) occupied tlie chair. In his address the vicar referred to the progress of the various church organisations. During the past year the guild room had been 'completed and was opened free of debt in September last. Tlie Ladies’ Guild bad generously provided tbc furnishings at a cost of £BO.

The .statement of accounts for the year was presented, which showed a credit balance oi £25 14s 3d after payment of £249 Gs for interest on loans and repayment of principal, and other items, in addition to the ordinary cost of maintenaee.

After the formal business a toe ini evening was spent. During an interval Air H. E. Jarman, parishioners’ warden, on behnlr of the parishioners and all church organisations, presented Air and Airs Wright with a wallet of notes as a mark of appreciation and esteem. In making the presentation Air Jarman referred to the splendid services rendered by Air and

Mrs Wright during their four yenrt,’stay in the parish, the result of which was evident in the large memfborship of all the guilds, etc, and the healthy tone in .church life generally. lie leferred to the happy relationship existing between the vicar, vestry and guilds generally and expressed last wishes for their future in Westland

It. ret uni ill}; thanks Mr Wright re•ailed the first' services lie had held in tlie Town Hall some four years ago, before the present church was completed, and compared the small congregations of that time with those of the present. When he looked at the number of young people who attended regularly he felt sure there was a prosperous future in store fot Sr. James’. He had many regrets at leaving Rkcarton. hut felt that.he and Mrs Wright had made many lasting friendships, and the memory of the many happy days spent, in the parish would he an inspiration to him in his work on the West Coast. Mrs ■Wright also briefly returned thanks s’