CHURCH MEETING- AT OTAKI.

Manawatu Herald, Issue 24, 23 November 1880, Page 2

CHURCH MEETING- AT OTAKI.

-• [From a Correspondent.] A Chnroh meeting was held afc Otaki, in the native schoolroom, at 8 p.m. on the i6t.li in*t., for the puniose of discussing matters connected with the English service. It wa»i very well attended, considering the unpropitious stato of the weather, the female portion of the congregation beinsr very numerously represented. Tho Rev .1. JP William beinsr votod to tho chair, briefly statttd the objects of the meeting. The. first matter brought before the meet, insr was the choir. It was proposed by Mr •Simeox. seconded by Mr Dodds, <• That a choir be organised ; that their names be enrolled ; that they all sit together on Sun-1-tys, attend practices regularly, and in case of absence scud a valid excuse or pay a fine." It was proposed as an amendment by Mr Lee, .seconded by Mr F " That a choir be organised and enrolled at once, and a Committee chosen to manage ifc an r l settle all matters of detail." The amendment was carried , Twenty names were then given in as members of the choir, anrt a Committee of five cho-sen from that number. The next matt«-r dealt; with related to the Church funds. It was proposed by Mr Simccx, seconded by Mr M'Kay, "That a collection be mad', every Sunday afc English service, half to go to the clergyman, the rest to iV fray current expenses, and balance (it* any) to be placed in the Savings Bank to purchase a new instrument for tho F.ng lish congregation." Carried. Two trustees were then appointed to collect, keep, and manage the Church funds. The meeting thin considered the Sun lay School. It was proposed Ivy Mr* Sime.ox, seconded by Mrs M William, •'■ Thafc the Sunday School meet before instead of after fche service : tho children to march trim school to Church, and sit together in fmnt with their teachers, except thoso whose parents are present." Curried, The G-eneral Church Fund wns ihcn in. traduced, and it. was proposed by Mrs M' William, seconded by Mr F. IMlls, "That a Ladies' Working Club bo organised to work for the General Church Fund, and that a Committee bo chosen to manage the samo." Carried. After s^tne explanation as to the nature and objects of the G-eneral Church Fund, and tho strong call it had upon the generosity of the inhabitants of Otaki, who have for years had both Church accommodation and a regular English Serv"ce free, the meet inur broke up with a vote of than\s to the Chairman. The meeting, as the first of tho kind held in Otaki, may bo considered a success. Every subject was discussed fully and carefully ; tho ladies f ,- cely joining, as it. is but right they should do, 'in all congregational questions.