PUKEKOHE METHODIST CHURCH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 167, 20 April 1916, Page 2

PUKEKOHE METHODIST CHURCH.

Sunday School Anniversary

A social held ia the Pakekohe Methodist Church on Tuesday evening last served the dual purpose of commemorating the anniversary of the Sunday School and a reception to the new Minister, Bev. J. B. Suckling, who had entered on his new duties as pastor of the Pukekohe Methodist Circuit on Sunday last. There was an exceedingly large assembly both of adults and children.

Proceedings opened with a prayer, followed by an address of welcome to Mr Suckling by Mr F. Suuster, who mentioned that during his ter on of 12 months as circuit steward the church had only marked time, whereas it really should have gone forward. He urged the congregation to move in that direction.

The Eev. S. Nixon, on behalf of the Presbyterian community, extended a very cordial welcome to Mr Suckling. He considered that the present time, when ministers were officiating at the front irrespective of creed, was opportune to work towards the amalgamation of the Protestant churches. Regarding Mr Suckling's labours in Pukekohe, he assured him that the hearts of the people would go out to him. Kind words of welcome were also spoken by the Salvation Army Captain and by Mr Avery, representing the Buckland congregation. The Rev. J B. Suckling then took the chair and expressed his appreciation of the kind words of his brother minister, the Rev. S. Nixon, and of other local workers He said he could forsee that with the co-operation of other ministers a profitable time was ahead in this district. He thought it a very happy thing that he was being welcomed at a Sunday School Anniversary meeting. He hoped to be a friend to the children and they to him. He congratulated the children upon their very hearty singing. In conclusion he apologised for the absence that evening of Mrs Suckling and returned thanks on her behalf for the very pleasant things said and done during their short experience of the district. The secretary's report was th j n read as follows:—''The Sunday School was founded on April 9th, 1882. So we are to-day celebrating our 34th anniversary. This report covers a space of 1-5 months, as we are making alterations in our marking system. Many changes have taken place during that time. Many teachers and scholars have left the district, and new ones hive come. Tbe following are the statistics of the school:—Present number of officers and teachers on the roll, 'J, viz, G teachers and 3 officers, the average attendance of teachers being 6. The number of scholars on the roll in January, l'Jlo, was 68, and the number on the roll on March 31st, I'JIO, was Go, with a satisfactory average attendance. Six of our scholars entered for the Scripture examination last July and four obtained certificates. We hope a larger number will enter this year, and that better rf suits will be obtained. Three of our teachers have left the district, viz, Mrs Comrie, Mr Hunter and Miss Pilkington. We are pleased to say that their places are tilled by the following: Mrs Patterson first class girls, Mr Crookes second and third class boys, and one of our senior scholars, Robert Vaut, has a fourth class of boys. We have in connection with our Sunday School an LB R.A of 36 members. The library contains 108 books, available for any scholar. We are expecting an additional supply of books immediately. With regard to home lessons, we again ask the co-operation of the parents so that better results may be obtained during the new year we have entered. Help the teachers by seeing that your boys and girls come to school early, regularly and with their lessons well prepared." The treasurer's report showed the income for the twelve months ending March 31st to have been £29 Is 2d and the expenditure £23 6s Bd, leaving cash available for School requirements of £5 14s 6d. Both reports were adopted and Mr Mee, the secretary of the School, was heartily thanked for the patience and perseverance he had displayed in training the children iu the singing of the hymns. The following programme was rendered : -Song, Nelson Mee ; recitation, Frank Pearcs ; dialogue, " Vanity is a Dangerous Thing,' 7 by Doris Lodge, Lily Smith and Hazel Laundy; song, five little girls; recitation, Betty Pearce ; needle drill, seven girls ; violin solo, Nelson Mee; recitation, Herbert Vant ; duet, Mrs and Miss E. Pilkington ; recitation, Ronnie Pearce ; action song, by four little girls ; song, Mrs Pilkington. At the conclusion of the programme cjuite a large number of handsome'books were distributed by the Minister as rewards for attendance, conduct and lessons. The happy and enjoyablo gathering terminated at about 10.30 p.m., after refreshments had been served by the teachers and other friend*.