FAIRLIE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 15 May 1925, Page 6

FAIRLIE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

THE PRIME MINISTER’S DEATH

The news of tlio death of the Rt. Hon. W. I°. Massey, though not unexpected, was received with very general regret. Apart from the place m the esteem of overyone won by his life and v oik, the Prime- Minister had gained porsonal friends during his several visits to the district, and news of his death 1 left a sense of loss. The news did not become general till the arrival of the “Herald” early on Monday morning, though a few in the township learned of the fact on the previous evening. Flags were immediately flown at halt-mast, and tho school children, in accordance with the wish of the Cabinet, were dismissed after they had been addressed by the headmaster (Mr J. 11. Wilson). A combined service, conducted by the Revs. R. de Lambert and C. G. Wilcox, was held yesterday afternoon, and although the notice given was a short one, there was a good attendance. The service throughout was specially appropriate to the occasion. Business, in accordance with the wish of the acting-Primo Minister, was suspended for the whole day. KEEN FROSTS. For six mornings on end unusually severe frosts for the time of the year were experienced during last week and tho beginning of this. Twelve degrees of frost were experienced on several occasions, and the cold seemed intense aftor the very wild weather previously, experienced. Conditions have again changed to those resembling spring rather than summer. Several warm nor’-west showers have fallen, and grass and' crops are again showing some growth. It is hoped that no more rain will fall for the present, as the lahd'is now wetter than is desirable for the sowing of crop. As there is evidently going to a smaller area than usual put in wheat, it is to bo hoped that the few making the venture will not be hindered in their winter sowing, as this is tho best guarantee of a payable crop.

ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH.

The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Stephen’s Church, Fairlie, was held on Monday evening. The Vicar,. Rev. R. de Lambert, presided over a fair attendance.

A motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Prime Minister, was passed in the usual way, and reference made to the great services rendered to the. Empire and' Dominion by the Rt. Hon. Mr Massey. Special reference was made to the'deceased statesman’s definite attitude in regard _to the Christian religion, and his evident admiration of the Bible.

The Vicar (Rev. R. de Lambert), read a lengthy report on the spiritual portion of the work done in the parish during the last twelve months. . Distinct progress had been made in. several directions. Sunday school attendances were on the increase, and ' additional teachers were urgently required. The increase in the contributions to missions, home and foreign, _ was most marked, and was a good indication of the vitality of the parish. So far the endeavour‘to form Bible classes for the young, people ■ had not, succeeded', but the vicar lioped to romedy this defect. Special mention of tlie splendid services rendered by Mr J. Braddick (choirmaster), Miss Sadie Sherivin (organist), and Mr Bob Saunders (organ blower and bellringer) was made, and to the work ,being done by rtlie Ladies’ Guild. The vicar thanked the parish for increasing his allowances in order to allow him to carry out the work in liis extensive district, as widely and efficiently as possible, and 1 concluded by expressing pleasure at tho pleasant relations existing between the parishioners ancl Mr and Mrs do Lambert. The annual statesment of accounts was then read by the secretary (Mr C. J. Talbot), and this showed that all obligations had been met, with a small credit balance in hand. Offertories and subscriptions had increased satisfactorily, and diocesan objects of all kinds had been well supported. The report from the wardens (Messrs F. W. Buckley and C. J. Talbot) went very fully into the finances of the parish. It was pointed’ out that a departure from the usual custom of collecting subscriptions befoi£ issuing the balance sheet had been departed from, but that these were now due and payable. Increases had been made to the vicar’s stipend and travelling allowances, thus enabling the work of th<s huge parish to be carried out. Some of the buildings had been painted, and repairs had been necessary. Electric light had been installed in the vicarage, and now all tho buildings were illuminated' by electricity. It had been decided to install an electric organ blower, and to effect necessary repairs to the organ. The total cost would be at least £IOO. Mrs S. Braddick carried out her duties as verger admirably, while Mr S. Braddick kept the grounds in perfect order. Complimentary reference to the splendid work being done in the parish by Mr and Mrs de Lambert was made.

On tlio motion of Messrs F. Bray and' H. Foden, the statements were adopted. The Parish Hall statements were presented by the hall secretary (Mr G. \V\ Talbot, and were adopted. The balance sheet showed a small deficit after providing for renovation work. The report of the Ladies’- Guild was also read and approved. The following were elected for the current year:—Vicar’s warden, Mr F. \V. Buckley; people’s warden, Mr C. Talbot), and were adopted. The balance Messrs J. Bray, IT. Foden, TV. Liddy, H. Bateman, B. It. Webb, A. N. Gillingham, E. Goodwin, yv. Dorman and B. Slow'. The following were appointed a parish hall committee: The Vicar, and Messrs J. Braddick, J. Bray, H. Foden and G. W. Talbot (secretary). The committee was recommended to provide for several suggested improvements. Votes of thanks wore passed to all workers, and at the conclusion of the meeting, supper was handed round by the ladies present.