WELCOME TO REV. F. T. READ

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 140, 13 June 1918, Page 8

WELCOME TO REV. F. T. READ

A welcome in the form of a drawingroom social was tendered to the Ilev. F. T. E«ad, C.F., minister appointed to the new Kilbirnie circuit, and his family at the Hataitai Methodist Church Hall last evening. The host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs F. W. J. Fear, were assisted by Mesdames h. Brabain and C. Haines and other ladies of the congregation. Mr Fear presided over the gathering, which was one of the largest ever held in the building, and in welcoming Mr. Read on behalf of the congregation, made some interesting references to the early days of Methodism in Kilbirnie. He stated that the first services were held in his house in Smith-street 30 years ago. Mr. Ward (superintendent of the Sunday school) extended a welcome on behalf of the young people of the church, and the Rev. E. Drake, in conveying greetings and well-wishes .from the Wellington South Methodist circuit, referred to Mr. R-ead's long service in the ministry and fitness for the work of the new circuit. In replying, Mr. Read, who has recently returned to New Zealand after serving on one of the hospital ships, stated that he deeply appreciated the warmth of the welcome which had been extended to him and his family since their arrival in Kilbirnie, and that he felt assured of the co-operation of the officers and congregations belonging to the three churches placed in his charge. The speeches were interspersed with several competitions, musical items contributed by Mrs Brabain, Misses Nicholas and Brittain, and a recitation by Miss A. Monnie. The meeting concluded after the distribution of the prizes gained in the competitions and the serving of re-

freshments by the ladies of the congregation. Among those present were the fi-ev. J. Crewes, who has been associated with the church for over twenty years, and Councillor J. Castle.