MANAKAU METHODIST CHURCH.

Otaki Mail, 19 January 1920, Page 3

MANAKAU METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNIVERSARY SOCIAL.

Tho Manakau Methodists are to be congratulated ou the success of their anniversary social, held in the church on Friday evening last, when the accommodation of the building was taxed to its utmost, and a very pleasant gathering was spent by all. The Rev. W. G. Slade, M.A., occupied the chair, and, in a few opening remarks, congratulated the Manakau people on their splendid church building, of which they were all so rightly proud, and which was a credit to tho district and Methodism. Mr Slade said that when the church was opened the only debt on the building was £125 to the Loan Fund Committee. One instalment of £8 had since been paid off, and another was just about duo, so that they had only about £lO9 debt remaining. Tho loan repayments and other small trust expenses made it necessary that a sum. of about £2O be raised each yeur, and with that object in view a garden party would be held at Mr Inge’s beautiful garden on Wednesday, February 4th. The Ladies’ Guild had done excellent work in providing means for the trust, and deserved hearty thanks, said the speaker. Mr Slade referred to the healthy state of the trust finances throughout the circuit, stating that throughout the entire circuit the total trust liabilities did not amount to raoro than about £SO0 —a fact greatly to the credit: of the Methodists of the district.

A very attractive and enjoyable programme was gone through, every item being much appreciated. Mr S. J. Gilbert contributed two songs, very nicely rendered, while ho and Mr Andrew gave a pleasing performance of that popular vocal duet, “Excelsior.” Miss Kay, of Christchurch, sang two songs, both of which were much enjoyed, and a recitation by little Miss Stupples was nicely rendered. Mr Howard Hunter, of Otahuhu, contributed a song in splendid style, and songs were also given by Mrs T. Gibson, of Levin (2), and Mr Frank I’enn, Miss Brown, of Levin, delighted the audience with two recitations, artistically and pleasingly rendered. Both items were deservedly encored and greatly enjoyed. Supper was afterwards served and much enjoyed. Mr Howard Andrew moved a hearty vote of thanks to many who had assisted in the work of the church during tho year. He thanked Mr Nowson for faithful services rendered in many little ways; Mr and Mrs Bramley and family for cleaning the church, providing flowers, etc.; Messrs J. Staples (Trust Treasurer) and Les. Atkins (Trust- Secretary) for keeping the Trust affairs in such a satisfactory condition; and tho organist. Mr Andrew thanked the minister and local preachers (especially Mr S. J. Gilbert), who had helped during the past year. He also asked that parents give their sympathy and support to the Sunday school, which was steadily growing. The function was most successful and enjoyable, and it is evidont that the Manakau Methodist Church is in a prosperous condition.