A MINISTER'S DEPARTURE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 80, 6 April 1910, Page 3

A MINISTER'S DEPARTURE.

FAREWELLED BY THE NOLICENSE PARTY. A formal farewell was taken by the New Zealand Alliance yesterday at a tea in the V.M.C.A. of the R«v. W. J. Williams and Sirs. Williams, who are being transferred to Oamaru. The Rev. A Dewdnoy (chairman of the New Zealand Alliance Executive) presided, and amongst those present were — Mr. and Mrs. A. P.. Atkinson, the Rev. and Mij. J. Dawson, Mr. and Mrs. Low, the Rev. and Mrs. W. J. Comrie, the Rev. and Mrs J. J. North, Mr. and Mrs. J. B Finlay, Mr. and Mrs. Helyer, the Hon and Mrs. C. M. Luke, Mr. and Mr*. It. Denton, Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P., and Mr J. P. Luke, M.P. In expressing regret at the departure of Mr. and Mrs. \Villianl3 and appreciation of their efforts in the cause of no-license, the Rev. Devrdney happily remarked that they would see in Oamaru the good results of labours their fathers had done. There would be no necessity for aggressive work there. Mr. A. R. Atkinson referred to a genius which he said the Rev. Williams, in his assistance to the No-license Party, had for writing timely letters to the papers. Mr. J. P. Luke, M.P., nnd the Rev. T. Fee also made eulogistic reference to the departing minister. In tharking the speakers for their kindly remarks, the Rev. William*, commented on the advance made by nolicenfc during tho la*.t four years, and also urged the necessity for an untiring, fearless, and aggressive policy. Mrs. Williams also thanked the speakers. A CONGREC4ATION'S TESTIMONY. Following the former function, leave wan taken of the Rev. W. J. Williams and Mr*. Williams by the congregation of his parish in the 'Trinity Methodist Schoolroom, Newtown, last 'night. The hall wat> crowded, Mr. J. Jamieson presiding^ Several speakers made mention of their late minister* good influence in connection with the church. Mr. T. Father*., superintendent of the Sundayschool, spoko of the assistance rendered tho scholars, teachers, etc.. by Mr. and Mr.«. Williams. Mr. J. P. Shand lemarke«J that Mr. Williams's work had been far-reaching, and Mr. G. Martin, representing the officers and trustees of the church, complimented the Rev. Williams for his fearless fight against tho liquor traffic. As a mark of their affection and esteem a presentation was made by the members of (he church of a silver cake-stand, silver cruet, a.nd silver entree dish. Mrs. Box«hall presented the rifts. The Her. Williams and Mrs. Williams briefly returned thanks.