ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST’S CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1894, 21 May 1889, Page 2

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST’S CHURCH, TEMUKA.

A tea and gift auction in with this Church was held on Friday, 17th inst., and, considering that only a fortnight’s notice had been given, passed off most successfully. The effort was directed towards liquidating the balance of tbe debt existing on Church, owing to the recent additions. About £37 was required, and of this £27 was realized. The £lO still remaining willj be required for painting the building and inside work, and it is confidently hoped that this will be forthcoming before the building is formally re-opened for Divine worship. The tea was laid on the tables at 6.30 p.m., and was immediately besieged by crowds who know and appreciate both the quantity and quality of a “ Winchester Tea.” Grace having been sung, the Rey. T. A. Hamilton leading off, ample justice was done, to the excellent repast. One whole table was the kind gift of Mr Gimson, to whom hearty thanks are due for the generous spirit which prompted the gift, and in “ giving a lead ” for others to follow. This table was presided over by the Misses Gimson, Mrs Carston, and Miss Shallard. At the remaining tables Mrs A. L. Barker, Mrs Hamilton, Mrs B. Smith, Mr§ H. E. Smith, Miss Gray, Miss Young, and Miss Anderson officiated mosW gracefully, _ At the [conclusion of the tea an adjournment was made to another room for the gift auction. The Rev,

T. A. Hamilton apologised for the absence of Mr K. "F. Gray, who was suffering from the effects of a severe cold, but who wished'them every success, and bad bequeathed his “ mantle” to Mr Ensor. Mr Ensor then mounted the rostrum, and, wielding the hammer as “to the manner horn,” disposed of the produce ex peditiously, and at satisfactory prices. The “ jubilee,” presented by Mr DeEenzy, fell to Mr Klee. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and seldom has it been our lot to witness a pleasant gathering, where it 1 was evident that all were working with a hearty goodwill. Amongst the workers Messrs Deßenzy, Ensor, • J. A. Young, R. Smith, H. E. Smith, Pepperell, J. Philp, and Taylor were conspicuous in their exertions. To Messrs DeEenzy and Gladstone the credit is due of having initiated the gathering, and by their generous i liberality securing in a large measure j a successful issue. Thanks are also due to all donors, comprising, it may be added, every inhabitant, for not a refusal was met with by the canvassers. , The Church will shortly be out of the contractor’s hand, and in its finished state will be an ornament to the district.