THE CHURCHES

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 April 1915, Page 2

THE CHURCHES

The annual Harvest Festival in connection with S,t. Matthew's Church, Helensville, was held on Sunday overling last. The Ghurch was beautifully decorated and a ohoice display of flowers, fruit, corn, and vegetables was made, The ladies ot the congregation are to be congratulated upon the beautiful effect produced, and it is rare indeed that such artistic decorations are to be seen in connection with any cburch in the district. The service was conducted by the Rev. C. J. Merton, who preached an excellent sermon upon the blessings of harvest. All the musical portions of the service bore upon the same subject, arid Mr- White presided at the organ, exhibiting all his usual taste and skill.

At the close of the service' the annual parishioners' meeting was held, presided over by Rev. Mr Merton, who, in a feeling address, thanked all Church workers fqr. the valuabje assistance given during the year. Hs also ex-,,

pressed his appreciation of the valuable work done by his manyhelpers in outside districts. In the course of his adddress Mr Merton mentioned that a suggestion had been made to, divide the district into two parts. He believed that ultimately that would be best, but in view of the present difficulties of finance, he was afraid to recommend it just now. • The annual, financial statement of the affairs of the parish was read and adopted. The nomination and election of officers resulted as follows : Mr White, minister's warden; Mr Olive, people's warden ; Messrs Field, Walters, Stringer, Hill, Watts, Green, Murphy, Mills, and Screaton, vestrymen ; Mr Hill, secretary to the vestry ; and Mr W. R. Fosbroke, auditor.

A vote of thanks to Mr Fosbroke for past services was carried.