PRESENTATION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10808, 31 December 1926, Page 8

PRESENTATION

FAREWELL SOCIAL AT ANAMA. MR AND MRS J. T. WILLIAMS. The seating' accommodation of the Anama School was taxed to its utmost last evening, when a farewell social and presentation was given in honour of Mr and Mrs J. T. Williams and family, who are leaving for the _ Rutpuna district, the gathering being a fitting testimony to the qualities ot the guests. The schoolroom was beautifully decorated. Mr J. Mclver (chairman of the school committee) presided. . , \ good programme of novelty dances, recitations, songs and musical items was rendered to a most appreciative audience. Those who contributed items were: Miss Z. Robertson,, nianoforte solo; Miss V. Mclver, recitation; Mr Ellen, accordian solo; Miss JjRobertson, recitation: Miss G. Smith, Highland dancing; Mrs Roach, song; Mi*s G. Smith, song; Mr W. Millar, song; Master H. Mclver, recitation; and Miss Belshaw, recitation. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the performers on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr W. J. Robertson. A presentation of a beautiful goldmounted Eversharp pencil, inscribed, was made to Mrs Williams by Miss Z. Robertson in recognition of her services as Sunday school teacher tor about 14 years. ' . Tn making the district presentation of an eiderdown quilt, the chairman stated he had known Mr Williams almost from childhood days. He found him to be a man of highest rets and noblest of characters. During Mr Williams' residence of over 15 years he had taken a prominent part in all movements for the districts welfare. He had done yeoman service on the school committee for about ten years, being secretary for a number of years. He had also taken an active part in the Sports Club, as well as devoting many years to church and Sunday school work. .He was also to be complimented on his impartiality as district correspondent for the " Guardian." Mr Greenslade (chairman of the Sports Club) referred to the high esteem the guests had won bv their earnest attention and devotion to the nobler and higher ideals in life, especiallv church duties. The zealous services rendered by Mr Williams on the Sports Club, of which he was one of the promoters, was referred to • Mrs Edmonds (president of the Mayfield Presbyterian W.C.T.U.) warmly complimented Mrs Williams on the able and conscientious manner she had discharged her duties as president for some years, and conveyed the branch's bests wishes for her future welfare. Mr J. Belshaw (Methodist) said ho deeply regretted the loss of Mr and. Mrs Williams because of their selfsacrificing devotions to the Sunday school and church. Theirs had been 14 years of sacrifice of leisure for this work —(applause)—and their loss was a challenge to the people of Anama to continue this great-work, whether it be under the guidance of Methodist, Presbyterian, or Anglican. He was pleased to learn they would remain in his circuit. Mr W. J. Robertson (on behalf of the school committee) paid a warm tribute to Mr Williams' straightforwardness, honesty, and sincerity ot purpose. Mrs W. Millar, on behalf of the ladies of the district, > referred to the kindness and hosnitality of Mrs Williams, and stated that by her connection with the Debating Club she found both possessed of the courage of their convictions. Messrs Roach and McEwen also spoke in appropriate terms of the guests. Mrs Williams, in reply, stated that her Sunday school work had been such a pleasure ond one of the joys of life, as well as a duty. Mr Williams, replying, said his church work was in line with family traditions. He traced the early church history in the Anama district, and thanked the school committees of the present day for the consideration given him in the fulfilment of their Sunday school work. He also thanked the, Sunday school scholars. He looked back on his associations with the school committee and Sports Club with the greatest pleasure. He paid a tribute, to the co-operation rendered in his Sunday school work by Mr and Mrs Gleenslade, Mr and Mrs Millar, and Mr and Mrs Robertson, also Miss Harrison as organist at church services. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the chairman, proposed by the Rev. A. D. Kirkland. A sumptuous supper was then dispensed by the ladies, and a verse of the hymn " God he with you till we meet again" concluded an enjoyable gathering.