ST. JOHN THE EVANGELISTS’ CHURCH, WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2195, 30 April 1891, Page 3

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELISTS’ CHURCH, WINCHESTER.

A gift auction and social evening held on the 28fch inst. in the Sunday School Boom at Winchester, in aid of the church funds, passed off most successfully. There was a large attendance despite the threatening aspect of the weather, and great interest was taken in the proceedings. The Bev. T> A. Hamilton made a brief speech, thanking the donors of farm produce for their kind gifts, referring in graceful terms to the kindliness evinced by several of the donors, who were not members of his flock, in giving liberally to assist the effort that was being made to extinguish the church debt. The hearty thanks of tho congregation were due to Mr C. W. Gimoon for making a gift of the “ coffee supper,” all except the “ sugar.” This was an important item, but he hoped it would be forthcoming. He then introduced Mr Mundell, who, having consented to auction the produce, proceeded at once in his characteristically brisk and energetic manner, to dispose of all and sundry at most satisfactory prices. The fat pig, given by Mr Deßenzy, realised £2 10s; Mr Gladstone’s six fat sheep fetching four guineas; Mr Donnithorne’s pig 255; Mr Quinn’s lamb 13s; Mr T. Connelly’s store pig 15s; 501 b flour given by Mr Harrison brought 10s ; wheat 12s 6d to 14s 6d; a bag seconds 10s ; potatoes 3s to 4s ; Mr Mogridge’s handkerchief boxes found ready sale amongst the ladies. Messrs Carston, Barrett, and Haar, each gave a set of horse shoes. These were the principal gifts, besides a host of sundries from all parts of the district “too numerous to particularise.” At the close of the sale it was found that the handsome sum of £l9 5s 9d had been realized, clear of expenses. Mr E, Smith proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Mundell,

and this was seconded by Mr Gladstone, and on being put to the meeting was carried with “ three cheera. M Mr Mundell briefly replied, thanking the audience for the com pliraent, stating that his office had been a mere sinecure, as there seemed to be a kind o£ emulation in the bidding, which was most refreshing, and might be likened to “ spontaneous combustion.” The Incumbent in announcing the result of the auction, eulogised the energy with which the church officers had worked, and again heartily thanked all those who had kindly given of their substance for the welfare of the church. The coffee supper and social then followed, and all seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly, breaking up about 11 p.m