GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 September 1938, Page 7

GREYTOWN

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. JUBILEE BANQUET. (“Times-Age” Special.) There were about 150 people at the Greytown Presbyterian Church jubilee banquet which was held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall last night. Mr Karl P. Lilly occupied the chair and associated with him were the Rev. R. S. Keenan, Rev. Byers, Rev. Mann, Rev. T. Murray, Canon Sykes, Rev. H. Harkness. Canon Sykes conveyed the congratulations and best wishes of the Anglican people of Greytown. The Rev. H. Harkness also expressed best wishes from the Methodist community. Visitors were present from all parts of the Wairarapa.

After the Loyal toast had been honoured, Mrs Alex. Johnson read letters of congratulations that had been received.

The Rev. T. Murray who had charge of the Grey town church 17 years ago expressed the pleasure it afforded Mrs Murray and himself to be present and renew old friendships. He expressed the hope that the church would continue to prosper.

Mr J. F. Wallis gave an interesting record of the work of the church during the past 50 years. He referred to the loss the church had sustained by the death of Mr D. P. Loasby. He also praised the work done by Mr and Mrs Lilly. The Rev. J. Mann (Moderator), congratulated the church on the splendid spirit that existed throughout the jubilee celebrations and expressed the hope that the good work would long continue.

Mr J. F. Thompson proposed the toast of visitors which was responded to by Mr Arch. Clark, of Featherston. The ladies’ committee responsible for the banquet arrangements are to be congratulated on the wonderful spread that was served. The committee* was composed of Mesdames A. Johnson (secretary), Barnard, Parker, Orr, Bower, Whincop, Nicholson, Gregor, McLeod, Todd, Burgess, J. F. Wallis, H. Morgan, Maddison and Lilly. The toast of their health was proposed by Mr J. F. Thompson and received with musical honours.

During the evening the following contributed items which were greatly appreciated:—Solo, Mrs T. R. Ingley; duet, Mrs Anderson and Mrs Houston;; Scotch dance, by Miss Gladys Welch; solo, Mrs H. E. Webster; humorous song, Mr E. Graham; solo, Mrs Houston.

The jubilee cake was made by Mrs A. H. Bull and was decorated by Mrs A. Nichols. Mr J. Montgomerie, one of the first scholars, lit the 50 candles, and Mrs Maxwell extinguished them. Mrs J. F. Wallis then cut the cake and all present received a piece. The evening was closed with the pronouncing of the benediction by Mr Murray. , 1 Some Church History.

As far back as 1904 there was a movement to secure a suitable Presbyterian Manse" for the minister in charge of the South Wairarapa Circuit (Featherston, Morison’s Bush and Greytown). A meeting of delegates was held at Grey town on June 24 and the prices asked then were much below those quoted today. For instance: At Grey town a 10-roomed house and 4 acres of land were offered for £850; a 6-roomed house and 3j acres of land for £5OO (this was a fair distance from the church); an 8-roomed house and 10 acres of land £790; and a 5-roomed house with two acres of land for £4BO. However, Featherston came forward with an offer of 2 acres of land and an 8-roomed house for £576 —and this proposal was turned down. An offer of a house for £450 was rejected in July, 1905; likewise the offer of a dwelling-house, outbuildings and 13 acres of land known as “The Brierley” (price £l5OO with easy terms) in October. On April 23, 1908, delegates from the three churches again met at Grey town. The offer of Mr Walden’s property of one acre of land and an 8-roomed house and outbuildings at £575 cash or £6OO on terms, and also that of Mr G. Stevens’s property next to the church at £460 were deferred till October 17. On the latter date it was reported that Featherston had £277 in hand and a promise of £lOO from an anonymous donor. In March, 1909, the deed was drawn up and Featherston soon had a manse.

When Mr W. Grundy took up the ministry at Greytown a house was secured at a rental of £1 a week, situate in Hastwell Street. In March, 1924, tenders were called for building a Manse at Greytown behind the churcn, Mr Matthews (Masterton) securing the contract at £894. The sum of £650 was loaned from the State Advances Office. A great deal of extra work was necessary in filling up the depression alongside; then came the laying-down of concrete paths, the erection of fences, etc. The Ladies’ Guild gave much monetary assistance in carrying out these improvements. In 1927 a porch was added to the Manse, some £37 being spent in this direction. On looking from the front portion of the building to the Tararua ranges beyond there is a splendid view on a fine summer morning, reminding one of the scriptural passage: “I to the hills will lift mine eyes from whence cometh all my aid.” LEAGUE OF MOTHERS. ENJOYABLE BIRTHDAY PARTY. The Greytown Parish Hall was well filled on Tuesday afternoon when the Greytown League of Mothers held its 12th birthday party. There were visitors present from all Wairarapa branches. Mrs Webster introduced the card sys-

tem. Each member on entering the hall was presented with a card on which her name was printed. This made it easier for members to get to know each other.

Mrs Bull, the new president of the Greytown branch, introduced Mrs Kersley, the Wellington Provincial President. Mrs Kersley gave a most interesting talk on “Leisure for Children.” Some of her remarks were very helpful. She stressed the point that where there was an only child in a family it needed outside children’s companionship. Mrs Kersley was presented with a pretty shoulder spray by Mrs Wiggins, the new secretary. Mrs Cornish, honorary secretary of the Khandallah branch, was also present and conveyed greetings from her branch. Mrs Dallard, of the Kelburn branch, spoke and brought greetings, as also did Mrs Buddle, of Kelburn. An Auckland visitor, Mrs Wylie, (Epsom), expressed pleasure at being able to attend the birthday gathering. The Glee Choir contributed several items which were much appreciated. The birthday cake was a feature of the function. It was made and given by Mrs Bensemen and iced by Mrs A. Nichols. It was beautifully iced with golden coloured icing and decorated with mauve candles and had a small banner in the centre. The colours were the League colours. Mesdames Bensemen and Nichols were both thanked and presented with shoulder sprays.

Mrs Rees, one of the oldest members, lit the candles and Mrs Anker blew them out. Mrs Dallard, of Wellington, who had for many years attended the birthday parties, was asked to cut the cake. She was also presented with a - shoulder spray. The afternoon tea arrangements were in the capable hands of Mrs F. Brooks, assisted by Mesdames Gallon and McPhee. The singing of the League hymn and National Anthem brought a most enjoyable afternoon to a close. The Late Mr J. Hodge. The flag on the Borough Council Chambers was flown at half-mast today in respect for the late Mr John Hodge, who was at one time a councillor and deputy mayor. Football Jubilee. The game on Saturday between Greytown and Athletic (Wellington) is being looked forward to with great interest. C. Stringfellow, the ex-New Zealand representative, is to play for Greytown.