METHODIST CHURCH.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 21, 23 January 1913, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH.

The quarterly meeting of the Wesley Methodist Church was held on Monday evening. The Rev. Reader presided, and the following members of the quarterly board were present: Messrs. J. W. Boon, W. F. Clemow, J. B. Clemow, Lilly, R. H. White, J. Laurenson, Felton, Abraham, and J. Masters.

The minister reported that the number of members on the roll was 138.

The balance-sheet for the quarter was adopted. The position disclosed was considered satisfactory. The Rev. Rbader and Messrs. Boon, White, and Masters were appointed a deputation to wait on the Ladies’ Guild to arrange for a special effort in connection with the harvest festival, the date of which was fixed for March 16.

Mr. Boon, superintendent, reported that the number of scholars at the Sunday-school was 109, the average attendance 69, teachers 14. The school was working very satisfactorily. Miidfiinmiiwmi ! > Mr. Felton reported that the Kahouri Bridge Sunday-schooL was also doing well.

The Rev. Reader delivered a hopeful and assuring report of the work of the Christian Endeavour Society. The minister was requested to set ashfc one Sunday afternoon in each month to visit the Sunday-school. Messrs. J. Masters and W. F. Clemovfr were re-elected circuit stewards. Mr. J. Masters was elected delegate to the conference, with Mr. J.j W. Boon as' substitute. A circular was read from the Rev. S. Griffiths, setting forth that the Rev. A. E. Walker, from Australia,, intended conducting a six months’ mission in New Zealand, and suggesting dates for him to visit Stratford. It was decided to invite the missioner to Stratford from August 2 to August 14 next. The meeting decided to memorialise the conference on the matter of placing a minister at Midhirst, strongly urging that if Midhirst is brought into the Stratford circuit, as asked for in the resolution passed at the previously quarterly meeting, his headquarters be fixed at Midhirst. Mr. R. H. White was appointed envelope steward.

The Taranaki Herald states that there was considerable excitement in the vicinity of the breakwater on Tuesday by the sudden appearance inshore of a large shark. The shark Was cruising about in comparatively shallow water near to where a number of, children were bathing in the surf. The attention of Mr L. Gray, who lives at MotOrua, and who as a fisherman is conversant with the habits of sharks, was attracted. He went out ’into the surf, and as the fish came in his direction steadily retreated towards the beach, carrying, ready for use m case he was attacked, a large “dog” hook. The shark followed him into very shallow water, and then turned as if to swim out to sea again. Mr Gray was quite close to it at the time, and as it was in the act of turning he quickly drove his hook into its flesh near the tail and succeeded in stranding it. Other men had to go to his assistance, however, before the shark could he hauled up on to the beach, its weight being too much for one man to drag along, once it was on the sand. When measured the shark proved to be between nine and ten feet long. With the appearance of these large sharks close inshore it is hardly necessary 'to urge that surf bathers should exercise great care.

Every fanner will find that a few Bee Hives will prove a most beneficial investment. While only raising enough honey to keep his own home supplied, he can a* the same time gain that practical knowledge and experience which will enable him to launch out on more extensive opera/ tions, with a good prospect of success. The occupation possesses a peculiar fascination, and is almost a form or relaxation to many farmers and their families. Beginners should commence on a small scale, learn the ways o| bees, how to handle them, and what kind of equipment to use. Make the bees pay for themselves and for additional'appliances, as well as providing some profit, and allow the business to grow gradually, until it becomes a huge money-making concern.—McMillan and Fredric, Specialists in beekeepers’ Supplies. Sole Agents for Alliance Dove-tailed Hives and Acces•oriw. *