Hartlip Parish Magazine. June 1921.

Dear Friends,

The Coal Cloud still hangs over us with all its accompanying evils, both personal and national. The thousands it has thrown out of work, though unconnected whatever with the Mines, are in sore plight, through no fault of their own. This was pointedly brought out in a recent Cartoon in "Punch." where the Factory gate is closed on which is "Notice - Works closed for want of Coal." Miner (to Factory Hand) - Well, mate, we're both in the same fix. Factory Hand - "Ho! are we? Your Door's Open and you've got the Key of mine." At the time of writing my letter, there are signs of a mutual desire for a settlement on a lasting basis. We pray that this may speedily mature, and also that those who brought it about, may see how ruinous to the Nation is such a Strike.

When we turn to Ireland its condition is terrible to contemplate - the lawlessness and crime, the utter disregard for human life and property; that while earnest efforts are being made for peace, more murders are being committed - makes one think that these men don't desire a peaceful settlement. Not content with that awful record, they introduced murder and fire into this Country. All this means pure Bolshevism, the aim of which seems to be to destroy all law and order, all property and capital, where each man can do as he likes, with the country workless and tradeless, this spells ruin. It tempts us to think that Satan is let loose in the World, and his time being short, he is luring men and women on to do the awful deeds that we hear of. Surely then it is up to every right thinking man and woman to take their stand to-day for God and Honour, against all such wickedness.

The final Organ Recital of the Season was given by our late Organist, Mr. J. A. C. Rogers, when home for the Easter Vacation, on April 20th. It was quite remarkable, especially in view of the fact that he has not now the facilities for practising. We were again much indebted to Mrs. Allen for her beautiful Vocal Solos; as also to Miss Black for her Violin Solos. The Collection was on behalf of the Organ Cleaning Fund and amounted to 25/-. With one exception this was the largest collection at any of the Recitals.

On Sunday, May lst, in every parish an appeal was made on behalf of the Central Church Fund of the Church of England, which undertakes a variety of work quite outside of all parishes and dioceses. As this is a question of finance pure and simple, some laymen last year spoke on this important subject in many churches throughout the Country. Hence this year it seemed to me

appropriate that such might be the case with us. Hence Lieut.-Col. R. G. E. Locke kindly complied with my request and made the appeal that day at Evensong, showing that it was the duty of the Laity to take up this question of Church Finance and raise it and no longer leave it to the Clergyman; and to raise it heartily, without pressure, as binding on us as our part in keeping up the machinery of the Diocese, which as Church people we should be quite ready to do. He also stated that our collections last year had considerably improved.

Although on the forenoon of Tuesday, May 3rd, rain fell, it cleared off about noon, and despite also the east wind, we were once again in the providence of God, privileged to hold our Open-Air Rogation-Tide Service in the Church Yard, for the 11th year in succession. A larger congregation than ever braved the chilly air to join in our petition; for a blessing on the crops.

Our services on Whit-Sunday were very bright and helpful, and the Anthem "Peace I leave with you" (by Clare), was rendered most creditably.

The Egg and Flower Service was quite up to the usual tone and the number of eggs was far above the average, which together with the flowers were sent to St.Bartholomew's Hospital, Rochester, on the Tuesday, where they were most gratefully received.

On Trinity Sunday, I admitted five small boys to the Choir at a very impressive service, held at 3 o'clock, who by practice and by degrees will be of great use I hope.

Your faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

Burial.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
April20-Agnes Rayner, aged 75 years.
Calendar.
June11-St. Barnabas. A.M. Holy Communion 10 a.m.
"22-Quarterly Missionary Intercession Service. Preacher, Lord Bishop of Dover at Newington Church, 3.30 p.m.
"24-Nativity of St. John Baptist. Holy Communion 10 a.m.
"26-Prayers for G. F. S. Work at 8.m.: all members of G. F. S. asked to attend.
"29-St. Peter A.M. Holy Communion 10 a.m. Missionary Intercession Service.