ST. ALBANS SOCIAL GATHERING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 182, 2 August 1900, Page 3

ST. ALBANS SOCIAL GATHERING.

St. Albans schoolroom, Mount Roskill Itouu, was crowded last evening, when parishioners and friends assembled to meet the uev. F. Latter, of Te Awamutu, and say-good-bye to the Rev. J. M. Devenlsh, who is to exchange with Mr Latter for six months. Both clergymen were present. The chair was occupied by the Rev. W. H. Johnston, of St. Barnabas' Church. The chairman, in a brief address, expressed pleasure on seeing such a very large gathering. He explained that the inter-change of districts was not sought by either Mr Devenlsh or Mr Latter, but was by arrangement of the Primate. An excellent musical programme was provided as follows:—Pianoforte duet, Misses Peyton and Edwards; song, "Better Land," Miss Sayers; pianoforte solo, Master Alf Reid; solo, "Deathless Army," Mr Walton; vocal duet, "True Love," Miss Pickmere and Mr Devenlsh; pianoforte solo, "Chopin's' Grand Waltz," Miss Duneen; song, "Link Divine," Miss Tanner; song, 'The Queen's Letter," Mr Garland; violin and piano duet, "Mazurka." Miss Cole and Mr T. Read; song, Mrs Mclnstry; vocal duet "When the Wind Blows," Mr and Mrs Garland; song, "The Skipper's Flag," Mr A. S. Reid; song, "Country, Home, and King," Mr H. Cooke; song, Mrs Garland; song, Miss Edwards; Instrumental duet, Miss Cole and Mr T. Read. The accompaniments were excellently played by Miss E. Wright, Miss Teinner, and Miss Duneen.

The Rev. Mr Devenlsh, in the course of a brief address, said the twelve months during which he had been in charge of the Mount Roskill parish had been a very happy period, and it was pleasing to look back on what had been accomplished. They had not been sitting still. They had a ladies' guild that was doing excellent work. A communicants' guild had been started, and the children were busy collecting funds townrds providing a new ship for the Melanesian mission. They'had also a gymnasium. He had no doubt Mr Latter would continue these good works,and he hoped the parishioners would accord Mr Latter the same hearty support they had given to himself* He was sorry to leave them even for a little while.

.The Rev. Mr Latter returned thanks for the very cordial reception he had received, and expressed a hope that the parishioners would extend to him a helping han<» s they had done to Mr Devenish in the He was glad to have the chance of meeui-. o so many. Refreshments, which had bc^u plentifully provided by the ladles' guild and others, having been supplied, the Rev. Mr Devonian thanked these ladies and also those who had provided the musical programme. He- also made feeling reference to the Queen's bereavement In the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, and at his suggestion the proceedings concluded with, the singing of the National Anthem.