A POPULAR VICAR.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 112, 8 November 1910, Page 2

A POPULAR VICAR.

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. G. P, DAVYS. St. Peter's Infant Schoolroom was crowded last evening, when the parishioners assembled to make a presentation to the Rev. G. P. Davys, M.A., who is leaving on Friday for Sydney, en route to England. The proceedings were characterised by the greatest heartiness. Tho chair was occupied by Mr. T. Ballinger. [ Mr. Ballinger called upon Mr. H. W. I Lloyd, -who, addressing the guest of the evening, said 5 ""'On the eve of your departure lor another field of labour in God's ftineyard, it is aiy pleasant duty as the people's churchwarden of St. Peters Parish Church to ask your acceptance on their behalf of a small token of their esteem' and affection. During the years you have laboured amongst us we feel that your unworldliness and love towards your fellow-men have endeared you in our hearts in a way that will not be forgotten. We know that there are many anxieties and troubles that come to a man situated as you have been, but by your noble character you have been enabled to overcome the difficulties, and will leave a lasting memorial of your life's work amongst us that will never j be forgotten. It may truly be said of ! you, with Rußkin, that you are a man 'with malice towards none, with charity for all.' We trust in leaving us to return to the Old Country th"at you may be long speared to enjoy good health, and in taking up new work, you may over look back on the years spent in Wellington with kindly feelings towards your late parishioners, and affection towards the land in which you have lived for some years. We feel that every day is bringing the ties of the Home Land closer^ to its daughters, and we are sure that in your life and conversation the good of New Zealand in general, and of your late parishioners in particular, will at times move you. The presentation that I am making on behalf of the parishioners is only a small tangible evidence of our affection towards you, but at the same time it carries with it our every good wish for your fmure happiness." (Applause.^ Mr. Lloyd then handed to Mr. Davys a greenstone necklace for his future "bride, a greenstone blotter, a greenstone paper-cutter, and a gold watch, containing the following inscription: "Presented to the Rev. G. P. Davys, M.A., vicar of St. Peter's, Wellington, New Zealand, by the parishioners, on-.his departure for England, after a pastorate of seven years. November 7, 1910." Mr. H. F. Allen apologised for the absence of Dr. Fyffe and some of the members of tho choir, who were engaged in a most important practice. Speaking on behalf of the choir A he could only say that Dr. Fyffe .and all of them exceedingly regretted this severance, but they telt that they could not be selfish. "You are going back," Mr. Allen added, "to the land of your ibirth, and what we hope and very sincerely trust is that you will be very happy in your future home. We feel very much indeed your leaving us. You have been most kind to the choir. You have appreciated our work and love tho work your choir has done, and we are grateful for the appreciation you have bestowed upon us. I can only hope we may get on as well with the new vicar. (Applause.) Rev. C. G. Mutter (vicar's curate), Mr. Goer, and Mr. Edward Anderson also added their tribute to the work done by Mr. Davys. MR. DAVYS IN REPLY. Quite an ovation was accorded 'Mr. .Davys when ho rose to respond. "There are times," he said, "when it is difficult to say all that is in one's heart, and such an occasion is the present one for me. I want first of all to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your great kindnesses to me through the past ll£ years on and ott, and particularly for your kindness to me on the present occasion. 1 thank the gentlemen who have spoken for the kind, undeserved words which have fallen from their lips. I thank you," my friends, for your beautiful presents at this farawell gathering. Need I say how much I shall value them? I value them first of fr all for their appropriateness, and more because they are the outward^ and visible symbol of true friendship, affection, love, and esteem." Mr. Davys referred to remarkame accidents (apparently) ' which had led to his coming to New Zealand and to St. Peter's, and added : — "When I look back I . could not possibly be an unbeliever. I am quite sure that what may be accidents -have been all part and parcel of a great dominant purpose. I can see God's hand ruling my lite. My years here have been very happy. Though my life has been very busy, 'it has been almost unclouded, and I have had a fair measure of success, for I have seen the fulfilment of many of my little schemes. That is a great gratification to me. I am thankful for the very kind friends I have met, and whom 1 shall never forget. I am thankful when I look back on the past, but I am sad when I think of how much might have 'been better than it is, and' what might have been done." During the evening musical items were rendered by Misses Kathleen Anderson, Grey, F. Ballinger, and Messrs. F. W. Haybittl© and Gerald Bell. The proceedings closed with "God Be with You till We Meet Again."