The Rev. R. Raine's Farewell.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 6208, 2 March 1904, Page 3

The Rev. R. Raine's Farewell.

TEA AND SOCIAL AT STAVBLEY.

Owing to tliß unpr.>;>i ioua st.afce oF the weather on Mod day evening the attendance at the Staveley hall was materially affected, but over sixty braved the elements iv oiri.-r to say farewell to tho Rev. Mr R;vine. Tho lathes associated with the Primitive Methodist Church had provided an excellent tea, which was laid out in splendid style hy tho ladies in charge of th« arrangHiuftnts. Justice having beeu doae to tho damtins provided, the tables wene cleared and the hall made shipshape for the subsequent concert, at which a well diversified programme wa3 gone through, aud, judging from the hearty applause that followed the several items this portion of the function was equally as successful as the opening.

The chair was occupied by Mr Evans eenr., who referred to the lo^s tho circuit would sustain by the departure of Mr aud Mrp Kaine, who had laboured in tho Bush districts wi'h much success for a period of five years or so. The genial disposition of tho Primitive Methodist pastor and his good lady hid made for them many friend?, while the church had prospered and the membership increased.. All, he felt assured would deeply regret their departure and join with him in wishing them a bright, prosperous, aud happy sojourn at Invercargill.

Messrs Sutron, F. Evans, Carlisle, Trezise, and Robinson also epofco, following chiefly on the same lines as those taken by the chairman.

The Eev R. Raiue, in responding to the kindly remarks made concerning himself and Mrs Raine, said that while he would always feel content to work for the Church at auy place, he greatly regretted having to leave so many kind and sterling friends behind him In Ashburton and the sur. rounding districts. As he was not going to lenvo the colony altogether, he hoped he might have opportunities afforded him of paying occasional visits to AshburtoD, and of thus seeiDg some of them again.

During the evening anthems wore sung by members of the Ashburt n Primitive Methodist Church, under the leadership of Mr Jones; duets arad songs by Me3dames Marsden, Jones, Raiue, Wright, Mr Jones and others, all the vocal items being highly appreciated. Mrs Raine presided at the piano und acquitted herself in her usual able manner.

At. tho close of the programme votes of thanks were accorded to the l.idies, the visitors, and the chairman, and the Benediction having been pronounced Ihe meeting dispersed, one and all taking tho opportunity of bidding " goodbye " to the guests of the evening.