ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2350, 30 April 1892, Page 2

ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGS.

ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH, TEMUKA. The annual meeting of parishioners was held in the new hall, Temuka, on Thursday evening. There was a large attendance, a number of the lady members of the congregation being present. The incumbent (the Rev. T. A. Hamilton) presided, and the meeting was opened by prayer and the singing of Hymn 165 A. and M., “ 0 God our help in ages past.” Mr Pinckney, the parishioners’ churchwarden, then read the minutes of the last annual meeting, which were confirmed. He also read a letter from the incumbent resigning his charge of Temuka, he having, at the bishop’s request, accepted the incumbency of the new missionary parish of Te Ngawai, Pairlie Creek. The resignation had been accepted by the vestry with regret. The incumbent then read his annual address, of which the following is a synopsis. [The full context will appear in the printed records of the meeting annually issued to parishioners] :

The address commenced with a state- j ment of the reasons which had induced him to resign his charge of the parish, after which a retrospective glance was taken of the work done since January, 1883, when he had first entered upon his duties. The parish was then in a somewhat disorganised condition and heavily in debt; Its position was made worse by being separated from Pleasant Point, to which his predecessor, the Rev. Mr Chaffers-Welsh had just removed. A thorough re-organisation was therefore required. Winchester then had only one service a Sunday. Regular evening services were added, and services were also established at Rangitata, Milford, Washdyke, Waitohi, Rangitira Valley, and the Maori Pah. The Church population, numbering 250 families, scattered over some 32,000 acres, required a good deal of attention, as was shown by the fact that he had baptised 79 infants in Winchester and 467 in Temuka, making a total of 546 in nine years. The debt on the parsonage was steadily decreased at the rate of £IOO per annum, and under the able administration of Mr Robert Pinckney, who had acted as parishioners’ churchwarden for six years, the debts were finally extinguished, and a credit balance shown of £2OO. During the nine years of his incumbency £SOO worth of improvements had been effected in Winchester. To this was to be added the cost of parish room in which they were then assembled, making in all

improvements to the value of over £I2OO. Four sections of land had also been acquired, viz., f-acre the gift of Mr H. J. Gladstone, a £-acre the gift of Mr D. L. Inwood, and two sections purchased for nominal sums from Mr J. T. M. Hayhurst and Mr S. Hewliugs. The valuable gifts of Mr H. J. Gladstone, the Hon. Spencer Lyttelton, and Mr Robert Smith to the church property at Winchester were acknowledged, as also the services of the ladies of that portion of the parish. The offer of Mr J. T. M. Hayhurst to assist in the erection of a new church was also acknowledged gratefully. The Sunday Schools were all in excellent order, equal to any in the district, and Bands of Hope, Recreation Societies, Young Men’s Club, Ladies’ Working Guilds, &c., had been established from time to time. In addition to the regular Sunday services special ones were held throughout Advent and Holy Wsek, and upon other Church festivals. A daily Bible-class was established in the State school in 1883, and continued until the following year, when an alteration was made, and an afternoon class held on Friday afternoons uninterruptedly until date. There were 188 on the roll, and the average attendance is 150, Thanks for assistance in this direction were accorded to Miss Phillips, who had charge of the junior division. In relation to the Incumbent’s attitude upon social questions the address referred to his establishment of the Blue Ribbon Society in 1883, when, as the result of a three days’ mission 300 persons signed the pledge; also to the establishment of the Young Men’s Club, a very popular institution, which lasted for over twelve months, when an unusual period of depression caused it to be wound up. Owing to this same spell of hard times in 1884-1885 the Temuka Benevolent Society was organised, and relief afforded to many families, irrespective of creed. Its operations ceased with the establishment of Government aid. In conclusion sincere regret was expressed at the thought of his approaching departure. Some of the happiest years of his life had been spent there, and he could never have any but kindly feelings for the parishioners among whom he had lived and labored so long. His heartiest thanks were accorded to the loyal and faithful churchwardens and lay readers, than whom no clergyman could have i better, nor did he forget those who assisted in the work of the Church, the choir, Sunday School teachers, Magazine distributors, and so forth. A warm welcome was asked for his successor, whoever he might be, and the address concluded with the prayer—“ May peace, prosperity, and progress be yours in the future; may God bless you in this life and Jlje next.” The parishioners’ warden then read the 1 wardens’ report, which was as follows “ A glance at the enclosed balancesheets will show that the Church is in a yery sound financial position. The only serious falling off in the revenue is in the Sunday offertories at Temuka, these being £l2 short of tl>e average for the past 5 years. It will be noticed that the sum of £ll was paid to the stipend fund, that account being short to that amount. Owing largely to the kindness of Mr Hewlings the jqug-wishecl-for Sunday School and Parish Room was erected during the year, and the accompanying balance-sheet of the building fundshows that there is a balance in hand of £B, and a mortgage on the building of £3OO, so that strenuous efforts will have to be made by the parishioners to clear off this fiobt, m}4 thereby do away with the annual payment of £] 9 IQs for interest. The bazaar, Ac., rpcenfly Iwtf Will, it is expected, net about £55. sqm of £SO has been paid to the credit of the building fund account, the balance in the bank now being as stated above—a credit ope of £B. Interest on the mortgage is paid tq date. The churchwardens and vestry desire tq express theip sincere sorrow at the loss of Mr aud. Mrs Hamilton by their removal tq Pleasact Point, and now beg to thank them

publicly for their untiring work in the parish, and trust that, as they will not be very far away, they will often visit Temuka. ■ “K Pinckney } Churchwardens '” \ He also read the financial statements which are analysed below: — : General Fund.—Receipts : To balance ' from last year, £2lO lls 6d; balance on account of Sunday School, £8 13s 3d; general offertories, £79 4s; outlying I districts, £9 lls 2d; special offertories, I £l2 8s 7d; Sunday offertories 1 and collections, £ls Os 7d ("interest and ' other sources, £l2; total, £357 9s Id. Expenditure; By contribution stipend account, £2O 12s; verger, organist, and organ blower, £4l 16s; Sunday School building fund, £200; printing, advertising, and vestry expenses, £l2 5s lOd; insurance, £5 17s 6d; rates and rents, £lO 7s; school prizes, &c., £lB 3s ,9d; diocesan treasurer and synod assessment, £ls 8s 7d; asphalting and church expenses, £l2 15s 8d; miscellaneous exi penses, all detailed, £l4 18s 7d ; balance lin bank, £5 4s 2d; total, £357 9s Id. ' Stipend Fund Account,—Receipts :To subscriptions, £230 5s 6d; offertories outlying districts, £9 lls 2d; general account, £ll 0s lOd ; total, £250 17s 6d.

Expenditure : By diocesan treasurer, £250; bank interest on overdraft, 17s 6d; total, £250 17s 6d. Sunday School Building Fund.—Receipts : To proceeds of socials given by ladies, £l2 5s 3d; sale of blacksmith’s shop, £2O; entertainment, lecture, collections, &c., £lB 16s 8d; rent of hall, J £2 17s 6d; gift auction, Easter, 1891, j £24 9s 6d; part bazaar proceeds, 1892, £SO ; general fund, £2OO ; subscriptions, £lls 5s 6d; borrowed on mortgage, £3OO ; total, £743 14s sd. Expenditure : S. Hewlings (purchase of section), £lO ; transfer, £5 17s 6d; building school as per contract, £607 ; extras, £55 lls 2d; architect, advertising, &c., £4l 19s 3d; insurance, £2 10s 8d; interest, £3OO at 6£ per cent, £9 15s ; overdraft, £1 0s 6d; petty expenditure, £2 ; balance in bank, £8 0s 4d; total, £743 14s sd.

Mr Pinckney then, aa superintendant of the Sunday School, read his annual report, which was as follows : “ Rev. Chairman and Gentlemen, —Owing primarily to the liberality of Mr Hewlings, we are, as you are aware, now in possession of a splendid schoolroom, and I cannot better begin my report than by mentioning what a great convenience it is. The number of children attending remains much about the same as last year, and there is very little alteration in the staff of teachers. Mrs Hamilton still takes the sixth standard, and I much regret that we are shortly to lose her. The work done in the school is very good, and the children are very orderly. Mr Deßenzy again kindly placed the “ Bluegums ” at the disposal of the Sunday School on the 16th of December, the children and teachers, with a few parents, leaving for that place at about 9.30 in waggons kindly lent by Messrs Aspinall & Co., Walker, and JBenbow, when a thoroughly enjoyable day was spent. The total receipts from all sources (including balance from last year) were £23 13s lOd, and expenditure £lB 3s 9d, leaving a balance in hand of £5 10s Id. In conclusion, I beg to tender my sincere thanks to all the teachers for their regularity in attending Sunday after Sunday. “ R. Pinckney, “ Superintendent.” P.S. —A gift of a small harmonium would be thankfully received. The cnairman then moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. They disclosed a most satisfactory state of things. All the accounts were in credit, and the only burden upon the parish was the mortgage upon the Sunday School, which could be paid off by degrees. Mr Herbert seconded the motion, which was carried without discussion and by acclamation. The chairman then asked for nominations of officers for the ensuing year. In doing so he mentioned that Mr Pinckney, who had so faithfully served them, had signified his desire for a rest, and for his own part he thought it better to leave the nomination of a clergyman’s churchwarden to the incoming vicar, who would doubtless be able to select one from the vestry. Mr Talbot said they were called upon that evening to regret the loss of two valuable servants of the Church—their incumbent and the parishioners’ churchwarden. He should not at present refer to the incumbent, but of Mr Pinckney’s services there could be no doubt. As in the past so that evening he had given proof by the satisfactory balance-sheets laid before them of how valuable his association with the Church had been. Since he had taken charge of its finance the Church had prospered, and it would be a difficult matter to find a man to take his place. They had been partly prepared for the resignation of his services, so that the blow was not wholly unexpected, but it was none the less to be regretted. The next thing was to find a successor. Mr Dann had for some years been associated with Mr Pinckney as clergyman’s churchwarden, and he (the speaker) thought no member of the Church would be so well able to fill Mr Pinckney’s position aa Mr Dann, whom he now had great pleasure in moving be appointed parishioners’ churchwarden for the ensuing year. Mr Herbert seconded the motion. Mr Dann at first declined to act, but under some little kindly pressure consented, acceptance being received with applause. The chairman, in recording the appointment, expressed his personal thanks to Mr Dann for taking up the work. He could maintain better than anybody else the existing organisations, and it would be a relief to bis (the chairman’s) mind to know that the work of the parish was going on uninterruptedly, and that his successor would find all things in order. The following gentlemen were then nominated and elected as vestrymen : Messrs R. Pinckney, J. Talbot, J. T. M. Hayhurst, E. Pilbrow, E. Whitehead, J. Langrjdge, E. Dee, R. Herbert, W. Beubow, and R. Comer. Mr Talbot said thaat as this appeared to be the first occasion upon which a parish meeting had been held in the new school he thought it only right to express the appreciation of the copgregation of Mr Hewlings’ generosity in enabling them to obtain the site so cheaply—a step which primarily led to the erection of the bail ding. He was also asked to

move a vote of thanks to the incumbent for his faithful ministrations during the past nine years. The meeting that night was evidently saddened by the thought of his approaching departure, although they were for some time prepared for it. He for one felt that the parish had been well served by Mr Hamiltor, and it might be a long time before they were so well suited. Mrs Hamilton had been his very able assistant, and perhaps ocI casidnally, to the interests of the parish I his leader. He was intimately acquainted 1 with them both, and knew well the keen ' interest they had in their work. He consequently regretted that the change 1 was about to take place. He felt that it was partly due to Mr Hamilton’s disposition which, from its sanguine character, expected results to develop more rapidly than they did, and which accordingly brought him to a condition of despondency as to his work whenever he found the desired results not forthcoming. He could assure them his ministrations had been not acceptable to the parishioners but to the members of other churches. He hoped the change would be for Mr Hamilton’s good; at all events, what they lost the new parish would gain. He,

(Mr Talbot) had never seen the necessity for a change, and ho could not adequately express his and the congregation’s regret that it had come to pass. He desired to tender on behalf of the parish their heartfelt thanks to Mr and Mrs Hamilton for their faithful services to the church during their stay in Temuka. Mr Hamilton feelingly responded on behalf of himself and Mrs Hamilton. He thought a change would be for the good of the church, and that a new voice would perhaps reach some that his could not. He hoped occasionally to visit them, and trusted some day to help at the opening of their new church. While amongst them he had endeavoured to live peaceably with all men. He came to them a poor man, and left them as a poor man. His expenses had been heavy, but he had spent in. the district the money raised in the district. He thanked them very heartily for their kind wishes expressed through Mr Talbot. Mr Robert Smith, on behalf of the Winchester parishioners, expressed the deep sense of loss which that section of the parish felt at the prospect of losing Mr Hamilton from amongst them. Had it been possible they would have endeavoured to have kejt him, but the district was not large enough. He was very sorry personally, for Mr Hamilton’s . associations with himself had been most cox-dial. He was very sorry also on Mr Hamilton’s account, for the parish he was going to was a large one, and difficult to work, and one that entailed an amount of work which he felt Mr Hamilton’s physique hardly fitted him to endure. He could assure them that the Winchester people had a very high appreciation of Mr Hamilton’s services, and he now expressed their heartfelt regret at his resignation of the incumbency. Mr Talbot briefly explained the position of the parish as to the nomination of a successor. As yet, practically nothing was known. On Tuesday next the Diocesan Board of Nominators sit in Christchurch, but it would be difficult for the local nominators to attend. They might expect, however, to hear more in a day or two. On the motion of Mr Dann, seconded by Mr Herbert, hearty votes of thanks were passed to the layreaders, church officers, Sunday School superintendent and teachers, choir, verger, and organist, also to to the ladies who had assisted at the socials and guild, and to all who had contributed to the welfare of the church. On the motion of Mr Gaze a special vote of thanks was passed to the churchwardens. The Doxology was sung, and the meeting terminted with the Benediction.

ST. MARY'S ANGLICAN CHURCH GERALDINE. The animal general meeting of the parishioners connected with the above church was held on Thursday afternoon, when the Rev. J. Preston presided, and read the following annual report : “ Gentlemen, —We commenocd a new era this Easter, and I trust under auspicious circumstances. As you aware, the parochial district comprising the Mackenzie County, Burke’s Pass, and Fairlie Greek has recently been severed from this parish and attached to that of Pleasant Point. I therefore have resigned my duties there, and from the present date will confine my labourers within the boundaries of the parish only. [The report then defined the present boundaries of the parish.] I shall not have less to do now the parochial district is cut off, bub my duties will be confined within a smaller extent of country. By God’s help I will do what I can, and ask for the prayer, sympathy, and help of all Church people to enable me to effectually carry out my work as the clergyman of this parish. I am thankful we are able to congratulate the parish on our position. We arc decidedly improving financially, as the Churchwardens’ statement will show, and I hope our spiritual state is progressing also. We have, by the assistance and co-operation of the different centres of population, been enabled to surmount many difficulties and hindrances that impeded our prosperity in former years. Our present position is good, and the future looks bright By tuc able and unwearied assistance of 12 lay-r. aders, services have been regularly kept up in the churches at Geraldine, Woodbury, Peel Forest, Mount Peel; also for eight months in the year in St. Ann's Church, Pleasant Valley, and in the schoolhouses at Orari, Kakahu, Gapes's Valley, and Arundel. I have visited the parochial district five times since last Easter, and Mr F. Gillingham has kept up lay services as often as required at Fairlie Creek. I mention with great regret the death of Captain Hayter, who was the lay-reader appointed for Burke’s Pass, Since last Easter services have been started in the schoolhouse, Arundel, and Mr Bartrum has been appointed the lay-reader there. 1 am able to take duty in that schoolhouse six times in the year. The services and Sunday School started by Mr Thatcher in his own house are still continued with success. I propose the following changes in my services for the coming year:—An extra service at 11 a.m. in the parish church on the third Sunday of every other month ; service in the schoolhouse, Kakahu, at 11 a.m. on the third Sunday of alternate months with Major Moore, lay-reader. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton, of Temuka, has kindly for the last few months given a service in the Orari schoolhouse at 3 p.m. on the third Sunday. This arrangement will probably cease when there is a new clergyman appointed to the Temuka parish, I cannot speak of other changes at present. Should any occur due. notice will bo j'ivcu. I propose (D.V.) to.

administer the sacrament of Baptism in the month at 3p.m.; also on third Sunday in f' the parish church on the fifth Sunday in the months of May, July. September, November, January, and March, at 11 a.m., and in other churches and places whenever I conduct service. [The report then detailed the services when holy communion would be administered.] The Sunday Schools connected with the churches at Geraldine, Woodbury, and Peel Forest, also the outlying schools at Gapes’s Valley, Kakahu Bush, and the union schools at Fairlie Creek and Burke’s Pass are flourishing and doing good work. lam greatly indebted to all the lay-readers, Sunday School superintendents and teachers, and all connected with the various choirs and other Church workers for their able assistance and support in carrying on God’s work in the parish and parochial district. The number of regular communicants throughout the parish amounts to about 140. The number of baptisms during the past year was 53; burials, 7 ; marriages, 2. In reference to the Sunday School library, the sum of £7 6s Gd was collected by myself for the purchase of new books; 18s 6d was collected by Mr Colbert. I forwarded a few months ago to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge the sum of £7, with a request for a grant of books to supplement the money enclosed to them. The society has generously granted to the parish L!) worth of books, making in all about Ll 6 worth. The case of books has arrived at the parsonage, and as soon as they are numbered and marked I will hand them over to Mrs Andrews, the librarian, for the

nurpose of lending out to the Sunday School scholars. The Sunday School library account stands thus: Receipts, by subscriptions, L 8 os; expenditure, books, carriage, &c., L 7 17s 10|d. The Sunday School prizes were given out to the scholars on Saturday, the 9th of April, in all 50 books. St. Mary’s Sunday School account stands as followsßalance from last year, L2 4s 2d ; offertories, subscriptions, and donations during the year, L 3 9s 9d. Expenditure, Sunday School books and working expenses, L2 8s 4d; balance in hand, L 3 5s 7d. The Sunday School treat account: Subscriptions and donations, £ll 9s 6d; proceeds of adult tea, L 5 12s; total, Ll 7 Is Gd. Expenditure, books for prizes, L 3 17s 9d; cost of Sunday School treat, Ll2 16s 9d ; balance in hand, 7s; total, Ll 6 14s 6d. To credit of Sunday School from all sources, £3 12s 7d. “James Preston, Incumbent. “ April 28th, 1892.” Mr A. White read the Churchwardens’ report, as follows : “ Gentlemen, —We have the honour to lay before you our annual report. Financially, we are happy to be able to say that we are in a much better position than last year. Whereas, we started with an overdraft of £3 13s sid, we have ended with a balance in hand of £35 0s Did as a perusal will show you. This large difference is due to the arrangements we have made in connection with the money owing by us. Formerly, we owed £450, £250 on the church, and £2OO on the parsonage; this was invested in nine shares in the Permanent Investment and Loan Association, and for many years we have been paying 6 per cent interest and G per cent to the Sinking Fund, We considered this a most unsatisfactory arrangement as we found that though we had paid a considerable amount off the capital, yet we were paying interest on the whole, viz., £450, and twe determined, if possible, to get some better terms. In July 1891 we succeeded, by paying 10 per cent on unpaid shares, in transferring the balance £l5O, being £lls on the church, and £35 on the parsonage, to the Church Property Trustees, to whom we pay 6 per cent, interest, and at any time (when we have the money to do so), we can lessen the capital, and as the capital decreases, the interest also decreases. By the help of subscriptions from the parochial district, we are this year, able to pay off £35, or all the debt due on the parsonage, leaving the whole amount of our indebtedness £lls, and instead of as formerly paying £34 a year interest, we shall only have £6 18s to pay. We think that you will agree with us when we say that the terms are very much more advantageous than the former ones. Still, though this is the case, we must not hide from ourselves that we still have a debt to meet, and if the response is not more liberal than it was on the day of the Harvest Thanksgiving, when the offertory averaged barely ninepence per head, it may take us five years before we can pay it off. There are necessary repairs to the church, and other matters, which ought to be attended to, but we do not feel justified in doing them until the debt is paid off. How it is to be, should be a matter of serious discussion before this meeting closes. As the attendance at church, we are glad to say that during the last six months there has been an increase from a general average of 55 to 74 in the morning, and GO in. the evening. The average number of Communicants have also increased from 27 to 30, Since our last report Mr W. Stonehouse, the verger, resigned his position, which has been taken by Mr J. Frude, with whom we are very well satisfied. Willie Berry, as organ blower, has given every satisfaction. We should like to place on record our deep regret at the lack of interest shewn by the men at our church services, as far as the choir is concerned. We have help sometimes from members of the church who live at some distance, but they cannot always attend, and there are only twonn whom we can rely in Geraldine. There must be many male members of the church who could sing if they would, and we do hope that they will volunteer their services, as it is absolutely impossible to improve the singing by anthems or services without the assistance of male voices. We should not like to close this report without expressing our satisfaction at the good attendance and behaviour of the children in the choir. In conclusion, gentlemen, we would once more urge upon you the necessity of putting our shoulders to the wheel, and make a determined effort fo pay offt he remainder of the debt. We have the p honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient I .servants, “Alfred White, “ Henry W. Moore. “ Churchwardens.” The balance-sheet submitted showed that tho year’s offertories tor geporai expenses had beau £94 13s; receipts tor missions. £24 9s 7d } for parsonage debt fund, £34 18s 2d; donations, etc., £ll 9s 5d ; total receipts, £165 10% 2d, leaving a balance on hand at Easter of £35The reports and balance-sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected : Churchwardens : Mr H. W, Moore for minister, and Mr A. White for the congregation ; Vestrymen : Dr Fish, Major Moore, and Messrs M. C. Orbell, Patrick, Hawke, Holland, Wilson Smith, Winatojie, Gimson, and Shiers ; Treasurer of Stipend Fund; Mr W. E, Barker; Additional Stipend Fund Collectors ; Mr A. White for Geraldine district, Mr Gimson for Orari and Belfield districts, Mr Henry Brown for Pleasant Valley district; Auditor ; Mr H. B, Webster. Mr White moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Webster for his energy in

auditing all the accounts in the church during the past year. Mr W. E. Barker, treasurer of the Stipend Fund, reported that the amount collected for stipend during the year was £26313s 6d. He stated that £4O or £SO extra would have to be made up during the current year, Fairlie Creek and Burke’s Pass having been cut off from tho Geraldine Parish. The Geraldine district did not contribute as it ought, he considered, and in connection with the Geraldine and Pleasant Valley districts, he thought extra collectors should be put on. He thought, too, that something might bo done at Straggler’s Flat, Belheld, and as the population in the several districts was increasing they should be able to meet the extra deficit. It was agreed that the stipend accounts bo closed on May 12th. Mr H. W. Moore moved, Mr M. C. Orbell seconded, and it was carried—- “ That a Gift Auction be held in November next, and that all members of the vestry do their best to get people to give articles for sale, and that Mr Webster be asked to act as auctioneer; the proceeds of sale to help to cover the debt on the parish church.” —Messrs H. W. Moore, Shiers, Orbell, and White, with power to add to their number, were appointed as a committee to make the necessary arrangements and fix a date for holding the auction.

Mr H. W, Moore suggested a discussion on whether the ecclesiastical franchise should be extended to women. He said that it was the wish of the General Synod that the matter be discussed at annual meetings, before the matter is finally settled at a meeting of the General Synod three years hence. He brought forward a number of arguments in favor of women having a vote in Church matters, and thought it was only right and just, seeing that the congregations were composed chiefly of women, who held also the majority in Sunday School work, choirs, and other institutions in the Church. To test the feelings of the meeting, he moved—“ That in the opinion of this meeting the ecclesiastical franchise should be extended to women.” —Mr G. H. Patrick seconded the motion. Mr Holland thought it would be better io give notice of motion that the matter be discussed at next annual meeting. Mr Orbell was iu favor of a special meeting being called, so as to give others an opportunity of attending. Dr Fish believed in going on with the discussion. Mr Barker was of the same opinion as Dr Fish, and thought that the present meeting was as large as any they would get. He was iu favor of granting women the ecclesiastical franchise. Dr Fish said the question was a very serious one. Although it had been poohpoohed by certain writers in the past, there was a turn in the'tide coming now. He supported the motion. They professed to be followers of their Lord and Masier, Christ. Christ’s most intimate friends were women —Mary and Martha, for example. Women were present at His death, when men ran away. Women, it had been proved, had moral force of character and a large capacity for ruling. The greatest rulers of their country were women. He referred to Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. He asked if Henry VIII. or Charles I. could compare with Ca°en Elizabeth in ruling ? or the Georges compare with Queen Victoria '! Women had been kept back in the past, but it would not be so in the future, for women did a very large share of church work. (Applause.) Mr White disagreed with Dr Fish. Although Christ made many Apostles of men, he never made any of women. He moved, as an amendment —“ That a special meeting be called four weeks hence to further consider the question; the meeting to be advertised in the Geraldine Guardian.” Mr Holland was in favor of the proposition, but considered a special meeting should be called to give people time to deliberate over the subject. Mr Orbell seconded the amendment. He himself had not fully weighed the subject, and he did not think that many present had done so. Major Moore was in favor of the proposition, but thought it best to postpone the discussion. The Rev. Mr Preston said, so far as he cauld see, women were not praying for the ecclesiastical franchise, and if they passed the resolution they might be voting the women something they did not want. Mr Shiers thought that women should be invited to be present. He was in favor of giving women a vote in Church matters. The proposition was withdrawn in favor of the amendment, which was carried. The Rev. Mr Preston moved a vote of thanks to the lay-readers, the superintendent and teachers of the school, and the visitors of the sick. Mr H. W. Moore moved a vote of thanks to Miss Alice Fish, the organiste, and said that she had been a great help to him in the choir. Mr Orbell seconded Mr Moore’s vote of thanks, and spoke in eulogistic terms qf Mr Moore, the Misses Fish, and the choir in general. Mr Wilson Snfith moved a vote of thanks to the churchwardens and the treasurer for the efficient manner in which they had performed their duties.—This was seconded by Mr Hawke. Major JVloorp moved a voted tfianks to the incumbent, which was seconded by Mr Dennistoun. The motions were passed in the usual way, and the meeting then terminated.