MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS OF ST. PAUL’S.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5090, 17 July 1877, Page 3

MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS OF ST. PAUL’S.

The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Paul’s parish was held last evening, in the Sydney-street schoolroom. There was a very large attendance, the Rev. Mr. Harvey presiding. The Rev. Mr. Harvey, in his opening remarks, said that it was a matter of no small congratulation to find that year after year these parish meetings were increasing in interest. He was especially glad to see, for the first time, a number of the lady members of the congregation present. He knew that they took a warm interest in all that was done at such meetings, and it was only natural that they should like to be acquainted with the proceedings and the manner in which important decisions affecting the Church were arrived at. But for the want of adequate accommodation, he would long since have intimated that the presence of ladies would be heartily welcomed. He was glad to see that parishioners began to evince a stronger interest in the affairs of the parish as time progressed, the present meeting being evidence of the fact. It was a healthy sign, he thought, that there should be strong opinions existing among the members of the Church, and that they should come forward to express thenopinions with the full desire to have them acted upon. Nothing was more discouraging to -a minister than to witness lethargy and carelessness among his congregation. In speaking thus, of course, he would be understood chiefly to refer to the experience of the past year, during which many questions had arisen of a nature to excite controversy, inasmuch as there were a variety of opinions entertained regarding them. Those questions had, however, been fairly discussed, and the conclusion come to he hoped was such as to enable them to work in perfect harmony. But at this meeting no questions were likely to arise that would cause much discussion. He had only made the foregoing remarks because there were many present who had not had the opportunity of listening to the proceedings of previous meetings. Now a few words as to the condition of the parish, which he might say was eminently satisfactory. They had added to the accommodation of the church, and beautified it also, and further had secured anew organ, which was a credit to the parish. The expenditure for the year had been slightly more than he had expected it would be ; but as a set off to that, they had a largely increasing revenue, and he regarded the financial position of the church as being undeniably healthy. The rev. gentleman then referred to the spiritual condition of his congregation. The number of baptisms had largely increased, as also the number of confirmations. The total number of commumicants was about 800, showing an increase on the former year. The number of births had also increased, while the marriage register showed a slight falling off as compared with last year. He bad lately been endeavoring to make a census of the parish, and although he had not been able to complete the work entirely, yet he had obtained sufficient information to enable him to form a tolerably reliable estimate, and he thought he might safely say that there were, between 500 and 600 families who professed to be members of the church. He might say that the work of the parish was a great deal more than one man could efficiently perform ; and the time was not far distant when it would be found necessary that somethin" should be done to provide further for the spiritual work of the parish. There were two ways in which this could be done. The parish might be divided, for instance, and an independent minister obtained to take charge of a portion; or,onth"othe ■ hand,an assistant curate might be engaged to assist him (the speaker.) Of course there was much to be said on both sides for and against. Personally he should be very much averse to the division of the parish, as it would cut off from him many dear friends. With regard to the appointment of an assistant curate, there would be a very great difficulty in obtaining the services of a suitable man. He might state, however, that during the last week the Ven. Archdeacon Thorpe, of Nelson, had mentioned to him a friend of his in England to whom he could strongly recommend, and who, he felt sure, if offered a permanency, would be glad to accept the position. If that could be effected, of course it would be a very good way of solving the difficulty. The work of the parish now was unquestionably heavy, and could not bo efficiently performed by one. He might mention that he had of late, with the assistance of Mr. Stowe, who had acted as lay reader, held services at Kaiwarra in the schoolroom, and he hoped by and bye that they would be able to build a church at Kaiwarra, where it was greatly needed. Before concluding ho desired to say a word with reference to the conference on the temperance question, which was being held elsewhere, and which he regretted being unable to attend. There could be no doubt that the traffic in drink was on the increase in Wellington, and it was high time that something should be done to put a check upon it, or the result would be that the traffic would have as powerful and baneful an influence in this new country as it had attained in England, where, he believed firmly the Parliament actually did not dare to set about earnestly introducing reform in this direction, so large was the interest of those who were mixed up in the liquor traffic. In conclusion the rev, gentleman men-

tioned what the business was to follow, and said as to the election of officers that it was necessary tho vestrymen should be communicants, and he regretted that the number of communicants should be so small in comparison with the size of the parish. THE ANNUAL RETORT. The annual report and balance-sheet was read. In the first place it referred to the alterations made in the church, the internal fittings of which were now completed. The new organ is in its place, and the interior of the building now presents an appearance more appropriate to the sacred purposes for which it was erected. The special offertories have increased, and generally speaking the affairs of the church look prosperous. The report mentions with respect to the rented seats, that considerable difficulty has been experienced by the collectors in obtaining money due for sittings in the church, and there was still a large balance due; and the vestry propose that the conditions should be carried out upon whicli the seats are let, the conditions referred to being printed on the head of the bills sent to. the seatholders. After referring to the adoption of the new selection of hymns, the report concluded by thanking the choir for its services during the past year, and Messrs. Anderson and Barraud for their services in securing seat rents. The balance-sheet shows that the total receipts for the past year from all sources have been £1538 7s. 4d., including, general offertories, £675 ss. 10d.; special offertories, £192 19s. Id.; pew rents, £450 14s. 4d.; sale of old organ, £llO. The ordinary general expenditure has been £755 Bs. 9d., and the special expenditure £737 12s. lid (including £245 transferred to the building fund, and £IOO to the sinking fund, also the disbursement of the £192 19s. Id. special offertories), leaving a cash balance in hand of £45 ss. Bd., and outstanding liabilities amounting to £1407 ; the available assets, moreover, being £155 16s. 2d. Mr. G. Allen moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet, and suggested that the defaulting seat holders should have their seats forfeited and placed at the disposal of other members of the church.

Mr. Bannatynb did not look upon the amount of arrears as large, and suggested that the fact of it being mentioned as a little grievance at the meeting would stimulate the defaulters to pay their debts. He had great pleasure in seconding the adoption of the report. The Kev. Mr. Harvey mentioned that the chief reason for complaining of the arrears was that there were so many desirous of securiug seats who could not obtain them, owing to the limited accommodation.

The question that the report be received and printed was then put and unanimously carried.

Subsequently Mr. McKellar moved, — That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that the rule as to the admission of non-seatholders to vacant seats now in force with regard to evening services be extended to the morning services. He mentioned that this practice had been adopted in Christchurch, and was found to work remarkably well. Colonel Gorton seconded the motion, and endorsed Mr. McKellar’s remarks. A discussion ensued, Mr. Bannatyne expressing the opinion that it would be inflicting a hardship on seatholders if tho motion were carried, as regular attendants at Christchurch might very easily he a little late occasionally, either from living at a distance from the church or other causes.

Ultimately it was resolved that the subject should be discussed at a special meeting to be called for the purpose at a future date. Mr. Wilson referred to the necessity of employing an assistant for the Rev. Mr. Harvey, who, he said, it must be painfully evident to the parishioners was at present very much overworked. The Rev. Mr. Harvey remarked that he should carefully abstain from overworking himself, as in the interests of his place he did not want to bring on indisposition through over exertion. At the same time, there was more work to be done in the parish than he could efficiently perform. He suggested, however, that the discussion of the subject was at present slightly premature, except as calling attention to an existing want, but it might possibly be entered into at a future date—say when the, special meeting was held in re the seat rents. This suggestion was received with manifestations of approval. SUNDAY SCHOOL. The annual report of the Sunday school, which was next read, showed that the results of the past year’s work had been very satisfactory. Mr. Harvey remarked that a drawback was experienced in the want of sufficient accommodation, but that he hoped would in time be improved. Mr. Wilson moved, Mr. Archer seconded, and it was carried, that the report be adopted. REPORT OP THE CHOIR. A report of the Choir Committee for the past year was read by Mr. Garrard, and adopted on the motion of Mr. Bannatyne, it being afterwards resolved to have it printed in connection with the annual report of the Church. ELECTION OP OFFICERS. The election of officers was the next business. Mr. Bowles in the first place moved—That the thanks of the meeting are due to the churchwardens of the past year, for the efficient and zealous manner in which they have carried out the duties of their respective offices. The motion was carried, and the election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with. Mr. H. Clarke was elected Ministers’ Church-' warden,and Mr.Eeimenschnieder Parishioners’ Warden.

The following gentlemen were elected members of the vestry for the ensuing year : —' Colonel Gorton, Messrs. D. Anderson, C. P. Powles, MoKellar, Barraud, J. E. Smith, Fannin, Wilson, Lee, and Quick. Messrs. Lambert and Holmes were reelected auditors, and a vote of thanks accorded to them for past services.

This concluded the meeting, and the bene-' diction having been pronounced, the meeting adjourned.