The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Matthew's Church, Masterton, was held last evening. There was a good attendance, and the Rev. John Walker, M.A., occupied the chair.
The chairman, in his opening remarks, referred to the loss the parish had sustained through the departure of Mrs and Miss Fannin.
On the motion of Mr T. Evans, seconded by Mr Hale, the report and balance sheet was adopted.
The vicar nominated Mr E. Hale as churchwarden. Mr T. T. Denbee was elected parishioners' churchwarden. The vestry was appointed follows:- Messrs E. H. Waddington, T. Evans, G. Hyde, A. C. Major, A. Welch, J. B. Henry, J. W. Blackman, 0. T. Davis, R. E. Jones, and J. W. De Castro. Auditors, Messrs T. R. Allen and F. W. Pointon.
The following resolution was carried: "That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that the church franchise should be exercised by all persons over the age of 21 years, resident in the parish, being communicants, provided that the word communicant be understood to imply a person that has been baptised and confirmed, and who is not habitually attending the service of any religious body not in communion with the Church of England."
Votes of thanks were passed to the auditors, retiring members of the vestry, the treasurer (Mr Dyer), assistant curate (Rev. R. Godfrey), and to the ladies of the parish.