PAPATOETOE

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 274, 11 May 1917, Page 3

PAPATOETOE

[The Papatoetoe Agent for " The Times " is Mr W. J. Dilworth from whom copies of the paper may be obtained,]

A PAPATOETOE " BOY " IN EGYPT

An interesting account of Corpl J. L. Farnsworth's (Auckland Mounted Rifles) fighting experiences in Egypt has recently been received from him by his father, Mr Henry Farnsworth, of Papatoetoe. At the time of writing, viz, on January 19th last, Corpl Farnsworth was an in- , mate of a hospital in Cairo, suffering from a broken leg as a result of a bullet wound, but he has since recovered and has rejoined his unit. The following is an extract of the start of the letter, viz: ''Next Sunday will be the first anniversary of our departure from memorable trek to the ' Canal Zone.' What an experience those twelve months have been to many a New Zealand soldier. ' The desert' may seem enchanting in itself but how many hardships and privations are wrapped up in those two words—we have certainly experienced some. When you look over our work of the past 12 months you must agree with me that the N.Z.M.R. Brigade have not been wasting their days touring Egypt as many suppose." Corpl Farnsworth then goes on to detail his movements through the campaign until the time he received a bullet in his leg on January 9th. He also stated that Jack Bradstreet, who was slightly wounded in the head, and he were the only Papatoetoe " boys " hit on that occasion. In conclusion, Corpl Farnsworth refers to his journey of seven days on horseback, on a camel's back, and on a hospital train from the firing line to Cairo. PAPATOETOE METHODIST CHURCH. A most enjoyable social gathering was held in the Fapatoetoe Methodist Church on Tuesday last when a good number of Church members were present. The Rev. W. G. Slade M.A., occupied the chair. The chairman, in his opening remarks, stated that they had gathered together to have a heart-to-heart talk about Church matters and at the same time to enjoy themselves. He went on to say that owing to the gradual growth of the Sunday School it would soon be necessary to have enlargements made on to the present building, but until the present debt had been reduced they could not face the question of extensions. The Bible Class was especially hampered for accommodation and it was felt that the infant scholars should have a suitable room for themselves with modern modes of teaching with sand tables and blackboards as in all the most up-to-date Sunday Schools. In conclusion, the Rev. Slade remarked that they should not be content to sit in the present hall or under the present conditions. They should advance with the times.

Mr H. Farnsworth opened in his usual cheery manner with Mr Fred Souster's dream, in which he stated that he awoke to hear the morning paper boys crying out " The Papatoetoe Methodist Church built in a day and blown down in a night." (Laughter). He was pleased to say that Mr Souster had visited the Church after four years and found the building still intact. In referring to the rapid strides the Sunday School had made during the past four years Mr Farnsworth thought that the time had come when the younger members of the School would have to go on the teaching staff as many of the teachers were away in the firing line. He hoped that something would be done to reduce the debt on the Church so as to put it on a good sound footing. At this stage Mr John Bryant detailed the financial position The expenditure since last October was £39 3s 9d, including insurance, lighting and interest. The receipts were £l6 7s 4d, concert returns £6 6s, donations £4- ss, and interest refund £lO 19s. The cost of building the church was £766 19s which less money raised for building purposes £402, left a mortgage of £364 19s.

Mr Atkinson thought the position a very satisfactory one. Taking into consideration the value of the property he considered the mortgage very small and he did not see any difficulty in carrying on satisfactorily. During the evening the following items were rendered, viz. : Quartette by Mrs Buchanan, Miss Galloway, Messrs Henderson and Buchanan; violin solo by Bev. W. G. Slade M.A. ; whistling solo by Miss Hodge ; and duet by Mi9B Galloway and Mr G. Foster. The Chairman on behalf of the Church and Sunday School presented Mr G. Foster with a handsome silver mounted conductors' baton in recognition of his valuable services in the past in conducting the Anniversaries of the Sunday School. Mr Foster, in reply, stated that he did not expect anything of that kind. He thanked them all and hoped to use the baton on many more occasions in tho Church

Miss Farnsworth, who for many years has officiated as organist was presented by Miss Matuschka on behalf of the Church and choir with a daintily embossed silver hair brush and comb, —Mr H. Farnsworth suitably replied on behalf of his daughter

Supper was then partaken of and concluded a most enjoyable evening

At tho Papatoetoe School Committee meeting on Monday evening last it was decided to hold a series of concerts in aid of the improvements to school grounds. The first concert will he givon by the Neapolitans of Auckland. Tho following dates were arranged for tho entertainments, viz. : June Bth, August 3rd, October sth, November 2.'! rd.