THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.

Kumara Times, Issue 2656, 12 March 1885, Page 2

THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.

[to the editor.] Sib—“ Flora” seems to have the same weakness that he credits me with, viz,, rushing into print. But he has not the manliness to sign his name. He is quite right in saying that I have not subscribed to the church for over twelve months; and I am proud of the fact. As to its being out of place my trying to speak at the meeting, that is the opinion of his side; but it was not out of place for the majority who were there, who never subscribed to the church nor belonged to the denomination, to vote against my speaking; oh, no! As to my hobby for prophesying, it is not hard to predict “Flora’s” future. You have feathered your nest in Kumara but you will be uncomfortable in it yet. “ Flora !” excuse me if I hurt your feelings; you are the very man who a few months ago ran round your friends like a rabid dog, saying that there were three men we would have to get rid of or we would never be out of hot water, viz., Religion, Medicine, and Politics. Excuse this Billingsgate! it seems a favorite dish with the knife polishers. I am quite prepared to try conclusions with “Flora” either with the pen, in the church, or in a paddock. Sign your uarae, and I will answer your epistle more fully,—Your- affectionate lover, John White. Dillman’s, March 11, 1885. [to the editor.] Sib —l did not intend to trouble you again, but with your permission should like to reply briefly to “Truth” in Tuesday’s issue; aud—(l.) —Re Sunday school. Will he publish a certified statement of the average attendance of children for the last as compared with the previous six mouths? (Never mind the roll). How was it no statement was submitted at the meeting? (2.) —I wuu.u uoii, Alter the super-

intendent and four teachers (for very good reasons) resigned, how many adult teachers were left ? (3.) —Mr Hay’s resignation.—The matter is in the hands of the Presbytery, and the less said about it the belter. (4.) —Church members signing petition.—l admit being in error in saying “ I thought every church member but one signed.” In fact I know now of five who did not, but I repeat this district was hot canvassed, but surely members represent the congregation better than adherents and casual attendee; and if only a bare majority instead of neatly all the members bad signed it would be sufficient. (5.) —Destruction of the congregation.—Anyone can see the average collection for the year ending December 31st; it has been 37s 6d per week, and except during a vacancy never was so low in Knmara. Will “ Truth ” give the average for the last three months'? (6.) —It is not true that any “ starving out policy” was ever attempted; a few may have refused, but the great majority who absent themselves from the church have paid up their promised subscriptions, and so helped to swell the balance-sheet; and it is not true that they went to the meeting last Wednesday with any intention to take part in the business; though for want of “ organisation,” I believe a few did vote. They did not obstruct the meeting, but some who wished to speak were obstructed by the chairman in a most cowardly manner. Now, a word on the balance-sheet, and lam done, lb is not so good as it looks; let any one take up last Friday’s Times and analyse it. From— £ s. d. 425 19 2 £ s. d. Take Cash in hand Jan. Ist... *6 0 9 ~ Loan from Mr Woods 27 0 0 „ Bank overdraft ... 47 18 11 , Leaving net receipts £344 19 6 Or take the ordinary income from collections, subscriptions, and Stafford Committee, and you have £2Bl 13s 3d. The Bazaar mouey is more than swallowed up in roofing the church. We owe J. Cameron more than is set down. What are the present liabilities ? Will “ Truth ” say where he got his figures representing the gross receipts as £539 12s Id 1 And who gave that sum to the Grey River Argus of the 9th, as our income for the year 1 ?—I am, yours, itc., Presbyterian. Kumara, March 10, 1884. * This was erroneously printed 6s 9d, as may be seen by adding up for total.