Rongotea.

Manawatu Herald, 22 February 1898, Page 3

Rongotea.

(from our own correspondent.)

Last Wednesday the Church of England held their annual Sunday school picnic on the property of Mr Philip's Taipo road. The day was perfect, and old and young gathered in crowds. Tables were spread round the grounds laden with all the danities imaginable, in abundance. During the day tennis, cricket and games of all kinds were indulged in, and Mr Costall, the superintendent, presented the children with many valuable prizes. It was good to see the faces ot the little ones glow with pleasure and pride as he, or she, stepped up to receive their, prize, together with some words of good advice and encouragement from their superintendent. The coifimittee, teachers, and friends of the church did all in their power to attend to the wants of everyone. This was the most successful picnic ever held in Rongotea. Great credit is due to this church for the strides and progress it is making, for although only some two years in existence, it is the finest church in the district, and is the most popular and has the largest congregation.

Great preparations are being made for the Rev. Mr Cocker's iarewell meeting and tea, which will take place about the 2nd of next month. Mr Cocker has laboured amongst the Primitive Methodists for over three years k. and is now leaving to reside at Wanganui. He is a man who is much loved and will be much missed. The Rev. Mr Haywood is, I believe, to take his place. Mr and Mrs Staff, who have been so many years with us have handed over their farm to their sons and are leaving us to take up their abode in Foxton. During their residence here they have been the staunch friends of good pioneers, and have done much to help P* us to our present position. In fact too much could not be said in their praise. People of this kind are hard to replace and will always be missed, and any place is so much the worse off for losing them. I must not forget to tell you that a strong minstrel troupe is being formed here. There are some 40 members. Negotiations are being made with a well-known firm for the purchase of a and we are looking forward to "** great things. The cricket match played on Saturday, Rongotea versus Tradesmen, was won by the Rongotea Club. The Wesleyans will hold their anniversary services next Sunday, and great preparations have been made in the way of singing. It should be a grand success.