WHANGAMOMONA.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1919, Page 3

WHANGAMOMONA.

OPENING OF NEW- S.S. HALL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Presbyterian Sunday School Hall was formally opened on the 13th inst. The ceremony, which had been postponed owing to the epidemic, was considerably curtailed. There was no afternoon gathering, but a social and concert was held in. the evening, tho building being crowded, extra seating accommodation failing to satisfy requirements. The Rev. A- H. Norrie, minister of the church, welcomed the audience and apologised for the absc-nce of the Rev. J. D C. Madill, district moderator, owing to sickness in the family, also fcr Mr Bridges. Mr. Norrie briefly outlined the progress of tho building scheme, stating that the large number of children attending the Sunday school made it imperative that something should be done to provide them with suitable accommodation. Appeals were made, con»erts held, and with such excellent success that £f>o in hand at the beginning of 101S was so increased that the present building was completed ready for opening on November 14, at a cost of £27,5.

Letters and telegram? wishing Micveas to the new school wer« read from the Hon. Aitken, Moderator of the General Assembly; Rev. J. Gibb, D.D ; Rev J. D. C. Madill. district moderator; Messrs .Bridges and McMorrison. Telling reference was made to the cause that had prevented most of these gentlemen from being present, the dreadful scourge having still left sickness in some of the families, while others were overtaking arrears of work. The elaborate arrangements for November had fallen through, but Mr. Norrie intimated that a gold key would be sent to Mr. Bridges (who should have opened the church) as a memento of his kindness and generosity. A hymn composed especially for the opening ceremony by Mr S. Clark Johnson, of Wellington, was then sung by the congregation, folUnved by a dedication prayer (Kev A. 11. Norrie). Tho children of the Sunday School save Ihs lolloping prolamine: —Hymn, children: recitation, "Her- New Shoes," Moml Anderson; song. May Eovis; recitation, ''She Wouldn't Say Please,'' Alice Per'nam; action song, "How'd You Like to he a l'abv Girl " infants; recitation, "The Foolish Fish," Alma Anderson, hymn, children; recitation, '"Tim Two Builders." Hector Norrie; trio, Xita and Eric Jenkinson and Maida Jones; recitation, "Abou Ben Adbeni," Iv.tecn Geevcr; song, Maida Jones; hymn, children.

During the evening an address was given by the heudmaster of the District ■School on "Religious Education." In the course of his address tho speaker ssid that religious education should be based upon the child's natural development and bo within his comprehension, not always the caso in Sunday schools The problem was not so much how tw draw children to God, but how to prevent them from being drawn away from God. The parent should be both guide and example. The Sunday school, the ehureK seht>ol, or the luble in the schools could do but little if religious life were not fostered in tho home. Cr. Piteaithlv. elder of the churcft, in moving a vote of thanks to all subscribers and helpers, eulogised the work of Mr, Norrie, regretting very much that Mr. Norrie would be leaving shortly for another charge, and, on behalf of the he expressed the wish that Mr. Norrie would re-consider his decision.

After the Benediction, refreshment? were handed round by the ladies and a I pleasant hour spent, socially. The now building is 31ft long by 20ft wide, with a 7ft porch in front. The interior, including roof, is lined and : finished in oiled rimii. The windows are j large, movable partitions enable the interior to be converted into either class room or a large assembly room in a j few moments. ! GENERAL, j Changes have Ibeen made in the railway staff since the beginning of the j year, stationmaster, a guard, lirevuan, j driver, and porter being transferred and others arriving. Tlis new S.M. is ih\ Wright, from I'almerston North. Mr. Fortune was in the district last week in the interest of prohibition. He had a good attendance at Whangamomona. but the other meetings were rather poorly attended. There is a movement on foot to form a Settlers' Association to push the needs of the district. Settlers of many years starring have still to pack their goods from Whangamomona to their holdings, roads being urgently needed. The Catholics intend holding their bazaar about the first week in March, ■\Vhen ic is hoped the new church will be in course of erection.