FAKE WELL TO THE REV. JASPER SMYTH.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LIII, Issue 2747, 6 February 1903, Page 2

FAKE WELL TO THE REV. JASPER SMYTH.

The parishioners of St. Peter's (and the many other friends of the Rev. T. J. Smyth met in the Oddfellows' Hali last night to bid them farewell. In spite of the hot weather, the hall was crowded, and a noteable feature w*s the number of members of other congregations that wore present, showing the wide esteem and respect in which the reverend gentleman was held. After ballads had been sang by Miss Vangioni and Mr F. Taylor, his Worehip the Mayor asked Mr Smyth to come with him him on 'he platform. He said he had to present the reverend gentlemaD with an ad" dress and puree of sovereign)?, and in daing so to make a few remark?. Mr Smyth had been in charge of the parish for eleven yeans. He bad been a brocd Churchman, had visited amongst his people, and gained their esteem and reepect, and also that r.f that of all members of other congregations with whom he had come in contact. Always bright and cheerful, he had lightened many a heavy heart, and it was with much regret he had heard of Mr Smyth's intended departure. He specially commended the services rendered the community generally by Mrs Smyth in the matter of the Girls' Friendly Society. He had much pleasure in presenting Mr Smyth with a purse of sovereigns and the following address :—

"To theßcv. T. J. Smyth, Vic»r of St. Peter's, Akaroa.—Wβ, the undersigned, on behalf ot the veetry and parishonera of St. Peter's Ohurch, have pleasure in asking you to accept the accompanying purse of sovereigns as a token of the hearty good feeling that has for the last 11 years existed between you and your congregation. Wβ recognise that whilst? you have been amongst us, you have gained.'the general respeot and esteem of of the members of your diffeoent congregations, and whilst they much regret that you arc leaving them, they feel sure that your labours are worthy of a wider sphere of action. They unite in wishing you every possible success in your new pirish.—H. (J. Obbbll, C. W. Lbktb, Churchwardens of St. Peter's, Akaroa."

He wished Mr Smyth and hie family every possible happiness in his new parish, and was glad it wan so close (applause). The Rev. T. Jasper Bmyth replied. He had been with them longer than any other olergyman—no less than eleven years—md had always been treated with the greatest kindne:;s and consideration. He specially thanked the choir for their valuable aid, which had increased the attondanoe at the church, and mentioned wh&t valuable aid Mr T. E. Taylor bad-given m this direction He had spent some of the happiest years of his life in Akaroa, and should ever re member the kindness he had received. He thanked them heartily for their address and handsome present, (applause). The Rev. T. J. Smyth then preaented Mrs E. Funnell on behalf of the choir with a handsome silver tea-pot , , bearing the following inscription —" Presented te Mrs E Funmll by the members of St. Peter's Choir on tha occasion of her retirement after 27 years of membership." The Rev. gentleman dwelt on the valuable services rendered by Mrs Funnell to the Church, and that lady suitably responded. Refreshments were next partaken of, and their came more mueio, in which Miss Keegan, Mr Taylor and Miss Black took parti, and the Rev. Pattison gave an address. The gathering was a very hearty and pleasant one.