TE HENUI CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 374, 27 April 1910, Page 8

TE HENUI CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. There Were thirteen present at the annual meeting of parishioners of Holy Trinity Church, Te Henui, held last evening. Rev. Kempthorne presided. The Wardens' report stated that the most momentous question that came up for discussion during ttie year was that of separating from St. Mary's and forming a new parochial district. The subcommittee went carefully into the matter ,and showed the possibilities of Te Henui as a parish as follows:—lienui ofVertories £BO, Bell Block £25, 1/6 Taranaki Trust £lO, 1/3 endowments £BO, St. Mary's allowance £7O; stipend collections £3O; total £251. It >»as then decided to make the following offers to St. Mary's: (I) That Henui district become a separate parochial district on condition that they receive an income of one-third of the endowments and an allowance from St. Mary's of £7O per annum, recluceafble at the rate of £5 per annum, and ceasing entirely at the end of ten years; (2) that St. Mary's vestry be offered £l2O per annum, Henui to keep the offertories from Bell Block, Upland road and Mangorei Cross roads. The latter oiler was accepted by St. Mary's, but owing to the unfortunate illness of Mr. Spencer, the matter of separation was never given effect to. »everal sites for vicarage were under offer, but nothing had been done. Church matters suffered very considerably owing to the illness of Mr. Spencer, and they would like to place on record tiie earnestness and energy shown by the late lamented pastor. It was patent to all that he was ever anxious to promote the welfare of his parish. Thanks were due to St. Mary's Church for appointing Mr. Wilkinson as locum tenens, and also to Bishop Neligan for a generous donation to meet the extra expense. Mr. Wilkinson deserved thanks for his kindness and courtesy and the thorough service rendered by him. Mr. Kempthorne was appointed his successor, and had identified himself with the interests of his district. The exterior of the cfturch had been painted. Mr. Messenger supervised the work. Gas had been laid into the guild room. At a committee meeting Miss Shaw was offered the use of the schoolroom for a day school at £l3 per annum. The resignation of Mrs. Tiscli as collector of the stipend fund was received with regret, and it was decided to place on record the good work done .by her. The balanca sheet showed that the year started with a balance of £35 10s lOd. Te Henui offertories amounted to £75 14s 4d. The year ended with a balance of £l'l !)s fid, but there was a balance of liabilities over assets to the extent of .£25 lis lid. j

The report and balance Sheet were adopted. I Mr. C. F. Foote said lie was sorry to! see the finances were going back. They would have to put their shoulders to the wheel, or all funds would be exhausted. Rev. Kempthorne stated that the illness of the Rev. Spencer had disorganised matters in connection with the col lection of subscriptions. Ladies were now out collecting arrears, and he expected that at least CIO would come in. Mr. Johnston said there was no need for alarm. The following year would more than make up for last year, which was the worst in the history of the church. Other parishioners also spoke in a hopeful strain. Mr. Foote said it was just as well for all to know the true position. Rev. Kcmptliorne appointed Mr. Chivcrs as 'his warden, Mr. 1. Aroa was elected people's warden. Rev. Kcmptliorne said that as this was likely to be an important year in church work, particularly in connection with the separation, he would like to see a good Vestry of thoughtful and ■prayerful men appointed. It was resolved that a Vestrv of four be elected. Several present declined ■nomination. Mr. Griffiths was elected, and three others will be appointed later. Mr. C. F. Foote wa- re-appointed fiv.ditor and given a hearty vole of thanks for .past services. A recommendation was brought forward from the committee that the church paddock be used in the future as a vicarage site. Mr. J. Tisch stated that during the past year numerous sites had been olfered them, luit he thought it. better to build on their own property and save £2OO or .€.'{oo for ground. Rev. Kempthome stated that the I money now in the bank for the vicar[age fund was £3O 0s 3d, the bulk of

which was received from the Ladica' Guild, ibeiug the .balance left alter enlarging the Sunday School. A letter was also received from the secretary at tlv' Ladies' Guild stating that owing to a number of ladies hav ing left, it would •bo necessary to cease operations at leaat for a time, and hand over £lB os 9(1 to the vicarage fund. Also a sewing machine, valued at £7. The parishioners expressed regret that the guild should cease operations, and a vote of thanks was accorded them for their work done in the past for the vicarage fund and Sunday School, and it was hoped they would continue. Rev. Kempthorne said a meeting of ladies was to .lie called to consider the matter. The chairman said he would have liked a larger meeting to consider the question of forming a separate parochial district. He suggested calling a meeting to discuss the matter. Memberu were of opinion that this was unneceßsarv, as the matter was now in train, am! it depended on the financial aspect. Tt was resolved that the matter be left in the Vestry's hands, a special meeting to be called later on if necessary.