HOMEWARD BOUND.

Evening Star, Issue 14607, 1 July 1911, Page 8

HOMEWARD BOUND.

A CLERGYMAN FAREWELLED. Some six years ago the Rev. H. W. L. Snow was appointed vicar of St. John's, Roslyn. From the first hie work was progressive, and as the years passed the influence of the church broadened. New interests were raised and carried forward to success. Improvements wore effected a; the church at Halfway Bush, the south transept in St. John’s was enlarged, a new organ was installed, a site at Maori Hill was purchased and paid for, and a guild room, which has been much appreciated, was built. Much of all that progress was due to the untiring zeal of the vicar. Sometimes, however, zeal demands toil from those who exercise it consistently. So it was with the Rov. Mr Snow, wh:®e health has broken down, and who, with his wife, is leaving Dunedin for Home, after 27 years’ absence. As was shown last night, the parishioners feel genuine regret at their vicar's departure, and at tho anniversary social of the- church a presentation of a purse of sovereigns was made to the rev. gentleman. ike tcciai proved on© of the most fuccessful ever hold in connection with the church. The presentation was made prior to the anniversary social, and there was a very lar.e attendance present when .Mr Spencer Brent, who presided, expie.-sed, on behalf of the parishioners, the high esteem they had tor Mr Snow, and made the presentation ol a well-tilled purse. Mr W. I. Bolam, vicar’s warden, referred to tire progress that had been made, and cited the improvements mentioned xt tho beginning of this report. He spoke of Mr Snow's unwearied zeal in all tilings, and expressed regret that failing health had compelled him to leave them. The speaker said ho was sure that he was not betraying a secret in mentioning that Mr Know*had taken out a return ticket- If Mr Know did return he could be sure of receiving a very hearty welcome. The Rev. Mr Snow confessed that tho occasion was rather a sad • moment for him. They had been good friends, and now they had come to the parting of the ways. ;sadness, however, always had a golden side that repaid and consoled ono lor passing ihrouji i;. Jit now began to tealise the depth of die friendships that had been made Looking back upon the post, he felt overwhelmed by the great kindnesses wh’.ch hj. d been showered on Mrs Know and himself. He only regretted he had not made belter ise of the opportunities which had been off. red him. His stay among them had been pr Stable to him, and he hoped it had also been profitable to them. He then spoke of his illhealth, and expre-sed the hope that his trip Heme would remove it. He had been absent from home for 27 years, and he was anxious to again see his mother, who was on a bed of sickness. He would probably remain in England for two yea s, and intended to then return to Dunedin. H« could only thank them all for their great kindness. He also thanked the ladies of the parish who had presented to Mrs Snow recently a cabin trunk and travelling rug. M i\s Know was deeply appreciative of their kindness.

Amongst the large attendance present, were the Yen. Arrtidcneon Gould and the Rev. William Wingfi Id. Duii’g the evening Hie following p og’nmme was given : Pianoforte solo, Mrs W. H. Aden ; songs, Mrs Ansley, Messrs W. H. Allen and J. A. Haggitt; recitation. Mr LindDy. There were musical chairs for evervbody, and a tug of war between eight vcstrvmcn and eight other church workers. Th ! > social concluded with a dance, and Messrs R. 8. B’-enl and J. R. Cameron were masters of ceremonies.