Hartlip Parish Magazine. August, 1922.

Dear Friends: -

Since writing my last letter, our bells have given another wedding peal, viz., on Saturday, June 24th, when the marriage took place of Florence Elizabeth Goodhue and Petty Officer Leonard W. Wicks. The bride (as many of you are aware is the grand-daughter, of possibly our oldest parishioners, Mrs. Cryden) has lived the greatest part of her life in Hartlip, and so has grown up amongst us. It was a very pretty wedding, and quite a congregation of reverent well wishers were present in church. They are a very fortunate couple indeed, seeing their presents were so handsome, and also in having secured a house. We wish them every happiness and God's blessing.

The Missionary Committee (appointed by the Parochial Church Council) met at the Vicarage on June 27th, and discussed how best to stir up interest in Missionary Work. That although so many people do not see the necessity of such work, yet the Lord saw the need of it and commanded US to "Go into all the world." This is sufficient for any humble-minded man or woman. Therefore it is up to us to do and give all we can for this work: and to accomplish this, every one should be asked to give an annual subscription, or to take a Missionary Box.

On Wednesday August 9th, we hope to have a small Missionary Sale in the Vicarage Garden, including one or two side shows, and a few items given by the children.

On Monday July 10th, a public meeting was held in the schoolroom at 7 p.m. in connection with the League of Nations' Union, which was opened with a hymn and a prayer by Rev. E. Hortop, followed by a passage of Scripture. The Vicar in explaining the origin of the meeting, said it seemed to him that the League of Nations was one of the finest results of the war. That while individuals, as also master and men were adopting conferences and conciliation boards, by which to settle their differences, surely it was possible for Nations - which are only a mass of men - to do the same, and so avoid war. He then introduced Canon Bickersteth Ottley, who sketched the history of the League of Nations, showing that it was the greatest of all International attempts at World peace: being essentially Christian, but non-political.

The Covenant of the League of Nations was drawn up by "some of the greatest soldiers and statesmen of the world: and that it was hammered out of bitter sorrow and experience. He showed how three quarters of the world's population had accepted the League, in other words

51 Nations out of 73 in the world had. Canon Ottley was present at the second assembly at Geneva in 1921, when, 48 nations were represented, in which the British Empire had 6 seats. The League aims at publicity, and thereby prevent secret treaties between nations.

Some of the League's achievements are the following:- 51 Nations consent to co-operate and agree to certain principles; - chiefly, to "play the game." No secrecy, or espionage systems.

1st Obligation is - Not to resort to war. A great court of International Justice has been established; which is a Tribunal for the world. Reduction of armaments affected. System of mandates established for welfare of backward races: also steps taken to prevent opium and white slave traffic. Weekly rest day considered, Sunday in preference. It has prevented wars already between (1) Sweden and Finland, (2) Poland and Lithuania, (3) Serbia and Albania. The Canon made an earnest and pathetic appeal to keep the memory of our glorious dead, by preventing war.

A vote of thanks to the Canon for his highly-informing address was moved by Colonel Locke, and seconded by Miss Faussett Osborn, was carried unanimously. The Rev. E. Hortop thanked the Vicar for presiding and the Trustees for the use of the School.

Owing to the expenses of my illnesses and consequent heavy outgoings since last summer, in order to have a change, I am compelled to take Sunday Duty this year, and have arranged to do so at the fashionable church of Rusthall, which is a part of Tunbridge Wells.

Your faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

HOLY MATRIMONY.
"Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
June24-Leonard Walter Wicks and Florence Elizabeth Goodhue.
CALENDAR.
Aug.3-Induction at Rainham Church of the new Vicar, 7 p.m.
"5-Choir Outing.
"9-Missionary Sale at Vicarage and Items by the Children. Open at 3.30.
"16-Vicar leaves home for Rusthall Vicarage, Tunbridge Wells.