PAPAKURA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 158, 24 March 1916, Page 4

PAPAKURA.

LAYING FOUNDATION STONES. AT THE METHODIST HALL. PEIME MINISTER OFFICIATES Subsequent to the bridge opening ceremony at Karaka oa Tuesday afternoon, the Prime Minister (tlie Et. Eon. W. F. Massey, M.P ) proceeded to Papakura and officiated at the laying of the foundation stones of the Methodist body's new school hall. There was a large assembly, and in all four foundation stones were deposited in their respective resting places, Messrs A. C. Caughey, A. Trenwith and S. Evans, iu addition to Mr Massey, each laying one. As a memento of the occasion a handsome mallet, with silver plate attached was presented to each, bearing tho following inscription, " Presented by the Pupakura Methodist Trustees on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of School Hall, March 21st, 1910." Proceedings opened with tho singing of the National Anthem and a prayer offered up by the Eev. E. T. Cox, a roligious address then being delivered by the Eev. A. C. Lawry, president of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. On behalf of the people of Papakura and particularly the Methodist section thereof, the Eev. W. S. Potter extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. He said they felt honoured and encouraged in their work by the presence of tho Prime Minister and of the president of the New Zealand Methodist Church and leading ministers and business men from the city. Proceeding, he stated that the trustees of the property were exceedingly fortunate in having as their treasurer and secretary Mi Godwyn Smith. From the time that the first trustees meeting was held on October Ist, 1899, ho had held office and had proved himself to be a painstaking and generous official, When there had been a debit balance Mr Smith charged no interest, but whenever there had been a credit balance he had paid interesl on the amount in his hands, He very sincerely regretted that illhealth prevented Mr Godwyn Smitli being w'th them that day. The interest he had taken in tho Sunday school, in Trust affairs and in the Church generally had been deep and lasting and tho name of Mr Godwyn Smith would never be forgottei in connection with the Methodisi Church of Papakura. Eeferring t( the financial position, Mr Tottei said that in 1900 the rents from th< Church property amounted to £7 10s and in ID 1-5, to £29. The Churcl was erected in 190'J at a cost o: £SOO. The debt amounted to £ls( mortgage, and loan fund £25, mak ing a total of £175. The Schoo Hall was estimated to cost £6OO tJ wards which tho treasurer had ii hand on the 31st December. 1915 the sum of £331 18s 2d. He esti mated that a balance, amounting t< approximately £2OO would b< boriowed fiom the Church Loai Fund, without interest but th< amount borrowed would have to b< repaid at the rate of £25 per year When presenting the Prime Ministc: with a mallet, the rev. gentlemai expressed the pleasure that it gav< them to have tho Prime Ministe; with them, particularly as they re cognised that Mr Massey and th< State recognised the time honourec truth "that righteousness exaltetl the nation." In tho second-plact they very gladly rememberod tha Mr Massey rendered iuvaluabh service many years ago iu assisting to secure a valid title for the land oi which they stood. The foundation stones having bcei laid, Mr Maesoy made reference to tin long acquaintanceship that lnu existed between himself and M. Godwyn Smith, whose work ho eulu gised. Proceeding, ho thanked the women for tho remarkable work the; had accomplished during tho periot of the war, and made reference to tin bravery of tho New Zealand nurse I who lost their lives in the sinking o: the "Marquette." He made a feiven appeal for men to enlist, and saic that unless men to-day realised anc performed their duties as citizen: they could not expect to enjoy tin privileges and rights of citizens aftei the war. The war luid to be'finished with all the heart, soul and strength of the Empiro, and it was necessary for the people to apply themselves earnestly and seriously to the colossal task which was set before them. They required also to put their faith in the Supremo Being, without whose help no righteous causo could hope to succeed. Mr Massey said that tho sword would not be sheathed until peace and peace with honour had been attaiued A collection taken up realised £l3 10s. Tho Papakura Band were prosont and rendered sacred music.

NEW HALL. The building is being erected in wood ou u brick foundation. The auditorium will bo 50ft x 30ft, the platform 30ft x 12 ft and four class rooms will load off tho auditorium, two being I lift x 10ft and the others 10ft x Bft. In addition there is to be a kitchen 12ft x 10ft. Tho architect for tho building is Mr E. W. Mountjoy, of Pukekohe. LINNER TO MR MASSEY. Subsequent to the foundation stone laying ceremony ou Tuesday and prior to Lis return to Auckland tho Prime Minister was entertained to dinner in tho Pupakura Hotel by several friends. An excellent repast was served, Mi 1). Stewart chairman of the Town Board) presiding. Luring the course of a speech the Rev. Wood expressed the sense of pride and gratiheahou he experienced when the Dominion so valiantly responded to tho call of duty ii l connection with the war. Ho eulogised Mr Hughes, Premier of Australia, for the good work ho had started in England in connection witli the Imperial Empire Council and hoped that New Zealand would bo represented oa tho Imperial Council and would arrange the terms for a lasting peace. In replying, Mr Massey of tho Kaiser's despotism and the wonderful unity of tho Empire that