Hartlip Parish Magazine - April, 1918.

Dear Friends,

The signs of the times are often not enheartening these days. A representative of Labour recently said in private, "The danger just now is that there are thousands of persons in all classes who will object to denying themselves when the pinch comes and turn ugly if they are compelled to do it; they would admit the enemy within their gates, sooner than go without their Sundays joint for a single week." This may be overstating the case, but to exhibit a spirit anything akin to that is to prove themselves most unworthy of the men who are making such a sacrifice at the front.

Shall we win the war? This is an oft recurring query. Listen to what that great and competent soldier - who rose front the ranks - Gen. Sir Win. Robertson, told the men of his native county the other day: "We have every ground for confidence in the result of the war if we only make up our minds to continue as before, resolute and determined to see the thing through to the proper finish, and to get the kind of peace which we want." He said, "We can win if we are only true to ourselves. A serious determination on the part of the nation to seek and deserve Divine help would, we may hope, enable us to take a true perspective of the war, and it would undoubtedly furnish valuable help to our gallant sailors and soldiers at the Front, as well as lighten the burden of responsibility now carried by the various authorities at home and abroad." These are deep sounding words, and well deserve our serious consideration, coming from one who, while he knows all the facts, yet never exaggerates.

As regards voluntarily raising money for the war, the country is doing splendidly; only last week, March 9, London raised seventy-five million pounds. The money is safe, the interest good, and the country needs all it can obtain by voluntary lending, by the people who know what is at stake, and are ready to stand by the noblest cause in which our country ever fought. Small people and big people are lending their money, and the vast sums required can only be obtained by every one doing his bit. Hartlip has done well so far, seeing that in the 13 weeks from November 26, £128 was invested by us, and note, it is not tied up for years, but can be got out at a few days' notice. Hartlip can do more yet, because there are a great many who may still be considering whether to have a share in this patriotic and remunerative investment. When you do so, let our village have the credit of your investment.

One of our villagers, Win. G. Kitchingham, has had the fortune to be sent to the Holy Land. He was at the battle of Beersheba, where his platoon captured two Turkish field guns. I think it was his Regiment, 13th County of London, which made the final bayonet charge and received the submission of Jerusalem.

He rejoices to be in places of such Biblical history, and to have been able to attend services in such. He tells me of the never-to-be-forgotten singing of "Jerusalem, my happy home" just before Christmas Day: and that he has seen so many places named in the Bible. May he be spared to return home safely to tell us of the wonderful sights he has seen.

There are signs of terrible battles imminent, which means loss of life and great suffering. Our gallant men are relying on us doing our part, viz., praying for them. I read out each Hartlip NAME, every Wednesday in Church at 3 p.m. Come and pray for them. Every day at 12.0 pray for them too.

On February 25, we laid to rest a much respected parishioner, M. A. Kitchingham. She spent many years doing useful work teaching the Infants in the Day School, where her influence was excellent. Indifferent health made itself increasingly felt in the course of time, followed by a malignant malady, which was bravely borne up against.

Agonizing were the pains she endured for weeks ere the release came, when the longing spirit took its flight from the tired body to the haven of peace, "where there is no more pain." We miss her smile and cheery word and sympathise with those who mourn her loss.

A former parishioner, whose home was at the Parsonage, Emily Webb, was brought here on March 6 to be laid in the grave of her two sisters. It used to be an evident pleasure to her to visit Hartlip, where she was deservedly held in high esteem. She attained the long age of 86 years.

It is with great regret that we record the passing of the Rev. C. Cobb, Vicar of Rainham for 32 years, at the age of 90. It was pleasing to see the large concourse of people at his funeral on March 7.

Your faithful Friend and Vicar,

J. S. McMILLAN.

BURIALS.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Feb.25-Mary Ann Kitchingham, aged 54 years.
Mar.6-Emily Webb, aged 86 years.