Hartlip Parish Magazine. January, 1921.

Dear Friends:

My warmest New Year's Greeting to all Parishioners and Friends and best wishes that this year may have within its folds for you all, much that will help to make life high, noble and sincere. True it will - like others - have much in it for our betterment, as also for our undoing. Clouds are black overhead, but they need not dismay us, for God's in His Heaven. We have crossed the threshhold of other anxious New Years, but thank God He has brought us through them and in that faith we go forward into this.

As to Ireland, may God confound those who delight in murder and plunder and discord; and give ghostly strength to our rulers in arriving at a settlement, and may both sides be ready to accept what is just and fair.

In the success of the League of Nations lies, to all increasing extent, the peace and prosperity of all countries: and its prestige and influence will increase, if its members prefer the good of the whole, rather than the success of their own policies.

The Country and the Empire are greatly indebted to the Prince of Wales, who in his Colonial Tours has so marvellously contributed to the consolidation and unification of Greater Britain. The Prime Minister said at the Guildhall, "The fortunate countries are those which produce the man for the emergency. The Prince of Wales is such a man." This is high praise from the Chief Minister of State. The Prince wants to see maintained in England the same spirit he saw in the new countries: and with that in view he said, "There may be seemingly overwhelming difficulties, but let us overcome them, and let us pull through." Surely this is the right note for us nationally, and shall I say, parochially, let us pull together as one people, realising more and more our comradeship and fellowship in the One Master, and in all the ups and downs of life, let us strive to bear and forbear, endeavouring "to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace."

I have had an agitating time as to the continuance of our Magazine: in the middle of December it looked as if it must come to an end. The Printer's quotation for printing the cover in 1921 was a quarter higher than for 1920. Then on December 15th he told me it must be 50 per cent more still, which meant twice the amount of a year ago; and that was impossible. Yet I was loth to give it in. So after writing and phoneing to different printers in London, Staffordshire and Yorks, I was able at last to make satisfactory arrangements with Messrs. Ive & Lowe of Chat-

ham. But our Magazine now will cost 4⅕d. each: (that is over 4/- a year) to produce; therefore I must ask all who can to increase if possible their subscription in 1921. If every subscriber of 3/- or 3/6 will give 4/- in future and 24 will pay 2½d. and the rest 2d. per month, then both ends will perhaps meet; with the Advertiser's valuable help. But if anyone feels unable to increase their contribution, then continue to pay as you did in 1920, as we do not want to lose a single reader while at the same time we wish to avoid a deficit at the end of 1921.

Having previously ordered and paid for the "Church Abroad" for 1921, it will again be provided free, as many of you so appreciate it. But all this is a great venture of faith, and therefore I rely upon your loyal support of the Magazine during the year.

Might I ask our readers, to note our Advertisers, and this year there are two new ones: let them have the opportunity of giving you a bargain, or at least a good article!

Some two months ago Miss Lizzie Kitchingham left Hartlip for Toronto, on a visit to her only sister. Her name had been closely and honourably associated with the Rose and Crown for half century. We wish her well. We are sorry say that Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Kitchingham have left the parish for Rainhain, having purchased a Hay and Straw Business there. He has thus broken a lifelong residence in Hartlip, where he was a in most useful member of Club Committees, Overseer, etc.; Mrs. Kitchingham we shall miss, for she was always ready to lend a hand; and was the painstaking Treasurer of the National (War) Savings Association for three years.

From the Calendar you will see there are two Organ Recitals this month, viz., the 12th and 26th. Try and bring your friends with you, as they are sure to enjoy hearing our beautiful organ.

Your faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

Calendar.
Jan.1-Circumcision. H. C. 10.30 a.m.
"6-Epiphany, Intercession for Oxford Mission to Calcutta at Holy Communion, 10.30 a.m.
"12-Organ Recital and Solos, "French Masters," by Mr. Chancy, 7 p.m. Collection for Organ Cleaning.
"25-Conversion of St. Paul, H.C. at 10.30 a.m.
"26-Organ Recital, etc., Mendelssohn and Beethoven, 7 p.m. Collection for Cleaning.