VICAR'S LETTER.

My Dear People,-

September elosed with the observance of our Patronal Festival. The old church must be very dear to the hearts of many present and former residents, and the sacred building, set in its beautiul churchyard, is a place of which any village might be justly proud, and forms an heritage to be preserved and handed down to future generations.

Commander Pitcairn has generously provided a new flag - St. George's Cross - to replace the frayed one formerly in use, and it was a fair sight to see our tower surmounted by the new flag flying in honour of the Church's annual Festival.

We were honoured at the Harvest Festival with the presence of the Rt. Reverend Dr. Sedgwick, formerly Bishop of Waiapu. He preached an eloquent, poetic, and practical sermon which those who heard will not soon forget. Then on the following Sunday morning the Rev. Noel Robertshawe came as speciaal preacher and delivered a vigorous discourse.

The Church was beautifully decorated. A large amount of fruit, vegetables, jam, and eggs, with corn and hops, was evident. These gifts were sent to the Keycol Hospital, and a warm letter of thanks has come from the Matron of that Institution.

An elaborately embroidered altar frontal in the Florentine mode has been used for the Festival, and added dignity to the sanctuary.

As I write this I have just heard of the sudden death of our old friend Mr. Boakes. His was a sudden call with a peaceful passing. He will be missed by his employers. Men of his type are valuable in such a village as Hartlip, for he had a sound knowledge of fruit trees with the method of pruning and cultivation. Our sympathy goes out to hips family in their bereavement.

By next month's issue I hope to announce the appointment of a permanent Headmistress for the Day Schools. Meanwhile we have the help of Miss Hodges as a supply teacher.

Yours sincerely,

CECIL G. MUTTER.

JUMBLE SALE.

This will be held on the Vicarage Ground on Saturday, October 24th, at 2.30 p.m. Gifts for the sale should be left at the Vicarage either the day before or on the morning of the sale. Any saleable articles will be welcomed, and the proceeds arising from the sale will be used to augment the Parish Hall Funds. If any goods are to be collected please inform Mrs. Pitcairn, at Paradise Farm.

MOTHERS' UNION.

The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday October 15th, at 2.30 p.m., in the Club Room when Mrs. R. G. E. Locke will preside. All members and intending members are asked to make an effort to be present. The winter programme will be discussed. It is hoped that Hartlip will have a strong Branch of this great world-wide organisation. The Mothers' Union claims to be the greatest society numerically in the Church of England throughout the world.

PARISH SOCIAL.

An enjoyable evening was spent in the School room on Tuesday, October 6th, when about fifty friends were present. We started by playing progressive whist from 7.30 to 9.40 p.m. Light refreshments were them served, and following this came some amusing competitions in which those taking part displayed much vigour and afforded considerable mirth to the onlookers. We look forward to more such social gatherings in the future. Hearty thanks go out to the donors of refreshments and prizes.

CRICKET CLUB.

The local club is to be congratulated on having had a very successful season. Whether the new ground has anything to do with it or not, the writer does not know, but the average batting scores have been higher than usual, and the members must be feeling quite pleased with themselves. The pitch and ground ought to be much improved next year after the attention now being given, and we hope the new pavilion may be an accomplished fact.

PARISH HALL.

We hear progress is being made with this scheme, and there is every hope of seeing the building commenced soon.

SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The children on Harvest Festival Sunday had a nest in the Church, and they laid an egg or eggs in it. As a result several dozen new laid eggs were despatched to the Hospital - a very welcome gift indeed at thus time of the year.

COLLECTIONS FOR THE MONTH.

£s.d.
Sept.6-Quota2137
"13-Church Expenses2410
"20-National Society203
"27-Church Expenses231
Oct.6-Harvest Festival613

The last amount goes to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Rochester.

A sneak thief forced open and robbed our Church alms box recently, but as it is opened regularly he could not have had very much money. It is a despicable form of theft.

MARRIAGE.

Oct. 3rd - Frank Friday to Irene Lilian Rosy Whitnall.