The Rev. S. J. Neill's Departure.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XXIX, Issue 9176, 22 October 1898, Page 3

The Rev. S. J. Neill's Departure.

« FAREWELL SOCIAL,

In the course of his long residence on the Thames, the Eev. S. J. Neill has made numerous friends in all stations of life, and all who have come in contact with him have been impressed by his steadfast courage and quiet sincerity, Consequently, it is not surprising that a very large audi, ence assembled at the farewell concert laßt evening, which was organised by a committee of ladies and friends of the Eev. gentleman's unsectarian congregation, and which was in every way an unqualified success. As our readers are aware, Mi Neill is going to America, and last evening he took a personal leave-taking of many friends, old and new, who are all regretful of the departure from our midst of one whoso probity and uprightness are so eminently boyond question. The supper room of St, George's Hall had been most tastefully decorated for the occasion, and everything was carried out in a manner that reflects high credit on the energy of the Committee. Iho usual fern fronds made a series of arches along the wall. Higher up, overlooking the whole room, was the inscription "Parewell Greeting"; flanking it were the sentences, "You have many friends who hold you dear," and "Our hearts, our hop, are all with thee j and ove? tho

door-ways were the valodiotory words: " Fare thee well," " For Auld Lang Syne." Altogether, the decoratior s was quite a work of art; but thi? respected platitude hardly hardly does them justice, for thero was a big " touch of nature " too, and the inscriptions were well ohosen.

The programme was a very creditable production, and encores were I too numerous to specify. It opened with a pianoforte overturo by Mies Riclat, which was followed by: song, "True Till Death," Mr H. Newton; song. " When Sparrows Build," Miss Peat; song, " Vanity," Mr Marris; Rong. " Goodwin 6ands," Mr A. W. B. Davis; Rong (comic), "Eight Bars Rest," Mr leece; song, " River of Years," Mrs Edgar; song (comic), "Sister Mary," Mr Hastings; tambourine dance, Miss Guthrie; Grecian Scarf Drill, Misses G. Phillips, M. Lawlor, D. HagueSmith, 0. Lawlor, E. Ashman, E. Guthrie, and E, Douglas. During the evening, Mr Noill, in a brief farewell, thanked his friends for the kindly interest manifested by their presence, and also the ladies and gentlemen who had assisted in the entertainment. He hoped that the Thames would flourish, and that they would all rejoice in prosperity and happiness. He thanked the Thumej people as a whole for their kindness, and was sure that if he was treated but half as well in the country to which he was going, ho would be well content.

On the conclusion of the programme the hall was cleared for dancing, which was continued till about midnight, The dance music was supplied by Mr A. Maitin's band, consisting of: Mrs Martin (pianoj, Mr Martin (violin), Mr Robinson (cornet), and Mr McFarlane (piccolo).