VICAR'S LETTER.

My dear People,-

We had a beautiful Easter and bright services, and a large number of communicants. My thanks go out to the ladies for their decorating and gifts of flowers, and to the bell-ringers and choir who also helped to brighten the day. I want to thank all my readers who contributed on Easter Sunday to the Dilapidation Fund £20 was handed me towards this annual charge on the Cure, which is nearly £40 per annum. On behalf of the Parish I was able to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. T. Acott upon the attainment of their golden wedding. It was a happy occasion, and as we do not often have such celebrations in our Village, it makes such an event the more notable. It was good to see our neighbours so happy and well, with their children and grandchildren around them.

As I had to announce at the Annual Meeting many of you will know that I expect to be laid up for a time this summer on account of hip trouble. A specialist has advised me to get the joint fixed and it is hoped it will free me from the incessant pain I have had in walking. My general condition is such that I have to first undergo special treatment in preparation for the operation, and so I am being put to bed and my weight reduced. After the operation I have to spend a time in plaster, but I hope I shall be allowed to have most of the period at the Vicarage and so keep in touch with affairs. You will get the benefit of fresh preachers, for I often think how tired you must be of hearing the same one Sunday after Sunday. I have preached over three hundred sermons already in your Church. Needless to add it will be a pleasure to see any of you who will came and cheer me up.

I hope you will all attend the Confirmation Service, and by your prayers and sympathy help the young folk who come forward for the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Laying on of Hands.

Your sincerely,

CECIL G. MUTTER

ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL, ROCHESTER.

The Secretary has written me once more asking for our help for this Hospital. I feel sure the appeal will not be in vain, so as usual we shall give our Harvest Thanksgiving collections to this Institution. Many churches and people give on Hospital Sunday, June 3rd, but our custom is to give in September annually. No doubt also there will be a Sale of Produce in the Hall for the same purpose, and we hope it may be even more successful than last year. None of us know when illness may come and the Hospital is then invaluable. This year so far, not so many as usual from Hartlip have used the Hospital, and we are glad of this, for no-one wishes for serious illness. Last year the total number of cases treated at Chatham were 12,689. Total number of out-patients and casualty attendances were 62,854. These figures speak for themselves. The average cost of an in-patient per week was £2/19/6; for an out patient and casualty 6/0. Those who obtain free treat-

meat ought to be very grateful, and think of how the money is obtained. It doesn't drop out of the sky. The Hospital has a crushing debt of £11,233, and we are asked when the time comes to do our share in lessening this. We should be thankful also to the doctors who give of thier time and skill to alleviate and banish pain.

CHURCHYARD.

Mr. Luck, our Treasurer, wishes it known that there will be no house to house collection this summer, but he hopes that all regular subscribers will send in their donations as usual so that we may keep God's Acre properly cared for and a pride of the Village.

117 eggs were offered in Church on Easter Sunday and duly forwarded to the Sittingbourne Hospital. The Committee and staff have sent grateful thanks.

The Sunday School scholars' gave in their boxes of Lenten Savings and these amounted to 10/10. Our Treasurer has sent the money to the Waifs and Strays Society. It was not quite so much as last year, but measles epidemic accounts for this. It is good to think our children remember the orphans.

Mrs. Mutter was able to send to St. Mary's Orphanage Home at Broadstairs some large Easter eggs filled with chocolates to be passed round the wards, a doll, and some doll's clothes. These were a present from the, G.F.S. and followed on their previous Christmas present.

ANNUAL MEETING.

This was held in the Schoolroom on April 10th, at 7 p.m, The Vicar presided. He reviewed the work of the parish for the past year, and expressed thanks to all who had helped in various ways to forward the work of the Church. The annual accounts were duly passed. The Vicar nominated Colonel Locke as Vicar's Warden for another year, and said that the Colonel probably held an unique position as such, having occupied the office unbrokenly for over thirty years. Mr. S. D. Hollands was unanimously elected as People's Warden. The Sidesmen were re-elected and Mr. T. G. Denson's name added to their number.

The annual Parochial Church Council Meeting followed and most of the previous members were re-elected. Messrs. T. G. Denson and Francis Webb were added to the number and also Mrs. W. Harris. Mr. Hollands specially thanked for his work as Secretary.

MOTHERS' UNION.

The Annual Meeting took place on April 10th. The day started with a Corporate Communion at 7 a.m. At 3 p.m. the members gathered in the Hall under the presidency of Mrs. Mutter. Previous minutes were read and confirmed and officers were elected. It was agreed that the members should attend a Corporate Communion every second Sunday in each month at 7 a.m. The Summer Festival was announced to be held at St. Paul's, Sheerness, on May 29th. Those intending to take part should give in their names as soon as possible to Mrs. Mutter, the Enrolling Member.

CONFIRMATION.

The Lord Bishop of Dover will administer the Rite of Confirmation on Wednesday, May 9th, at 7 p.m., in the Parish Church.

ASCENSION DAY, May 10th.

Holy Communion, 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Children's Service at 9 a.m.

WHIT-SUNDAY, May 20th.

Holy Communion, 7, 8, and 11 a.m.