Hartlip Parish Magazine - November, 1919.

Dear Friends,

It was a great annoyance to me that the October Magazine was so late. The packet was held up at Norwich - thanks to the railway strikers - and only came to hand on the 10th, on which day you received them.

Our so-called "War Sale," fixed for October 1, had unfortunately to be held in the Schoolroom, owing to the rain, that being the one wet day in some three weecks. But withal it was a very pleasant affair, and most of the stalls sold well. Hoop-la was a great attraction, doubtless owing to the right man being in charge. The tea-tables were very busy, and taxed the energies of the capable tea staff. The entertainments were fully appreciated, thanks to the performers; as also to all the various helpers, not omitting the gate-keepers. The result, notwithstanding the wet day, provides £10 for the Porch War Memorial Fund, a donation to St. Dunstan's for the Blind, and a like amount for the S.P.G. from its stall.

The effects of the railway strike are slowly passing, but the serious loss to thousands in physical energy and money was cruel. The enormity of the N.U.R. in calling out its men the same day leaving their trains at midnight, wherever they happened to be; in some cases the passengers were mothers with little children on a long journey, left to shiver and cry in the stinging cold; while the whole of Great Britain, without trains, was to be STARVED out, and the sick and the dying would be deprived of necessaries and relatives, just because the N.U.R. could not get exactly what they demanded in wages. What is this but absolute selfishness, revolution, and pure Prussianism? While we fully sympathise with the railwaymen in desiring a fair wage - and we wish them to have it - every loyal Briton must condemn this war-spirit the N.U.R. exhibited.

We duly observed our Church's Birthday on September 29 by a Celebration at 10.30 a.m. and Choral Evensong at 7.30, when the Rural Dean preached. The offertories, as usual, were for the Royal Aggricultural Benevolent Institution, to which we are always loyal.

On that day, fifteen years ago, the Ven. Archdeacon of Maidstone, at an impressive Service at 6 p.m., Inducted me into the Living of St. Michael's, Hartlip, in the presence of a large congregation, including many of the Clergy of the Deanery, the people of the neighbourhood, and a large contingent from Strood.

We offered our Thanksgiving for the Harvest on Sunday, October 12, when we had very bright, musical Services, and good congregations, especially in the evening, when Canon Denham, of Rochester Cathedral, preached. The Rev. J. A. Finch was the morning preacher. The offertories were a third more

than last year; so also were the offerings of choice fruit, which were all sent to St. Bart.'s Hospital, Rochester. The decorations of the Church were never more tastefully arranged, for which we were indebted to many willing helpers.

During the last week of November the Rev. H. A. Phillips, of Chota Nagpur, will be in the Deanery, so I have secured his services to give a Lantern Address or Lecture on the 27th. Being straight from the Mission Field, he will be sure to interest us. Therefore I trust there will be a crowd to hear him. The collection will be for Missions.

Mr. and Mrs. Goldup are the new School Caretakers; they also look after the Church. They are quite strangers to this part of Kent, but we hope they will find Hartlip a pleasant sphere.

What should prove to be - with care and loyalty - a useful and helpful organisation has been launched in the parish, viz., the Hartlip Cottage Gardeners' Association. Similar associations elsewhere have been a potent influence in encouraging men to grow the best both in their gardens and in their allotments.

On Saturday, October 18, a Show was held at the Club-room, which certainly did credit to the organizers and exhibitors, for the number of exhibits and their variety was surprising; and as to the quality, that was most encouraging. The display of high-class fruit was exceptional. The Show was opened at 3 o'clock by Miss Faussett Osborne, and the exhibits sold at 7 o'clock, which realised a considerable sum for Rochester Hospital. We wish all success to this venture, which has begun so well, and trust the membership will he representative of the parish.

A Football Club is being started for the village. It is a healthy and vigorous game, and should attract our youths.

Your faithful Friend,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

HOLY BAPTISM.
"Suffer the little children to come unto Me."
Sept.28-Geoffrey, Son of Wilfred Stuart and Constance Muriel Stevens.
Oct.5-Victor George, son of Osborne and Matilda Hollands.
"5-Marjory Evelyn, daughter of Charlie Edwin and Annie Philpott.
CALENDAR.
Nov.1-All Saints. Holy Communion, 10.30 a.m.
"9-Armistice Sunday.
"11-Armistice Anniversary.
"23-Sunday next before Advent.
"27-Thursday. Rev. H. A. Phillips, of Chota Nagpur: Address with Lantern.
"30-Advent Sunday.