FROM THE METHODIST MINISTER

Dear Friends,

According to the politicians and economists, the great problem that confronts us is today is that of economic stability. It is different for most of us to follow the various arguments that are made, and to understand the policies that are advocated, but the upshot seems to be that we have to produce more in order to keep wages up to the level that will enable us to pay the prices that things are going to cost. No doubt all this is true ... we have to accept the experts' opinions ... nevertheless, one of our Christian responsibilities must be to remind our fellow citizens that we are still one of the wealthiest countries in the world. We need to be reminded that it is sill true that the great majority of our fellow human beings are still struggling to obtain the bare necessities of life, whilst we, by comparison, bask in the lap of luxury. The one thing that no Christian can surely tolerate, is that we should improve our position at the expense of the aid and assistance (of all kinds) that we offer to the "have-nots" of the world. There is a serious famine affecting millions of people (who are already living on a subsistence level), in India, and there is an almost equally serious, position in East Africa. Christian Aid and Oxfam have asked for help from the Churches and from ordinary people everywhere. We must do all we can. But we must make sure that government policy is met by this challenge, as well. It is the conscience of the "have" nations, like ourselves, which still needs to be stirred.

Yours sincerely,

DENIS GARDINER.

PARISH COUNCIL

After discussion at a Council Meeting and a firm proposal at the Annual Parish Meeting the Parish Council made a request to the Swale R.D.C. for the erection in Hartlip of a number of smaller houses for persons living alone and elderly couples, thus releasing the three bedroom houses for those with families already on the waiting list. A reply was received as follows: -

  1. That no further houses will be bullt in Hartlip in the present new housing programme.
  2. But that applications for old peoples' accommodation will be given due consideration when the Swale R.D.C. provide more houses for old people at the site adjoining Playstool Road, Estate, Newington; no decision has yet been made, however, as to when these will be built.

The Parish Council is prepared to assist where possible anyone in the parish who wishes to apply for one of the houses at Newington if they will first contact the clerk, Mr. A. Brooks, 1 Grainy Field, Hartlip.

A.B.