VICAR FAREWELLED

Evening Star, Issue 22047, 5 June 1935, Page 13

VICAR FAREWELLED

SOCIAL AT ALL SAINTS' TRIBUTES TO REV. HARRY JOHNSON The parishioners of All Saints’ Church gathered iu the church schoolroom last, evening to bid farewell to the Rev. and Mrs Hardy Johnson and their family prior to their departure for England. Mr Hardy Johnson has been vicar of All Saints’ for nearly seven years, and warm tributes to the value of his association with the church were made at this valedictory function,' at which lie was also presented with a cheque as a token of the esteem and affection iu which he is held by the parish. Mr 6. It. Ritchie was in the chair, and the schoolroom was packed with members of the church. Mr Ritchie said that it was very gratifying to see such a. large number of parishioners present, and went on to speak of the regard in which Mr and Mrs Hardy Johnson were Held. Mr Hardy Johnson had been with them for nearly seven years as vicar,' and, although they had not always seen eye to eye with him, they could all testify' to his kindness, Human sympathy, and generosity. Of all these attributes he had been a typical example. (Applause.) There had been many cases where he had helpedj not only parishioners, but others outside the church very liberally. He had done specially good work in connection with the young people of the church, and the students of Selwyn and other faculties. In this respect his kindness was proverbial. Mr Ritchie added that the vestrymen had prepared a resolution expressing their sincere regret at his departure, the wish that his future work would be congenial nd pleasant, arid that he and Mrs Hardy Johnson would enjoy a long life of happiness. Mr Hardy Johnson was a muchtravelled man, and might be called an Empire missioner. Now tKat he had bad a season in New Zealand, they could be sure that he would be a good advertiser for the dominion when he returned Home. Mr Ritchie concluded with a reference to the important part played by Mrs Hardy Johnson in the activities of the church, especially in those concerning the younger people. (Applause.) He added that they were all delighted that Archdeacon Whitehead was to carry on the work of tKe church. (Applause.) Sir James Allen, as one,of the oldest parishioners, joined with Mr Ritchie in wishing Mr and Mrs Hardy Johnson a pleasant passage Home and a safe arrival there. A' cheque, was then presented to the guests of the evening, Mr Ritchie stating that it Had been subscribed to by all the members of the church as a token of their esteem and affection. Air Hardy Johnson was very warmly received when he < rose to reply. He was deeply appreciative of all that had been said. Reviewing His association with the church, he said that he began to feel, during the last year or so, that the strain was becoming a little too heavy, and that it was best that he should go. The parish, he felt, would really benefit by this. The vicar added that when he returned Home he would feel it an honour to be able to speak of the grit and courage of the people of New Zealand through many difficult years, It had been a privilege for him to sharp, both., the difficulties and joys of: such,peop!e. Speaking pf his life in All Saints’, Mr Hardy Johnson said that they'Had had their ups and downs, but from tEe officers and members of the church ho Had had a wonderful loyalty. . All Saints’, he said, 1 haid provided him and his family with the best home they had had in their lives. In conclusion, he expressed the conviction that there was a great future before the church, and urged that its principles and activities should be loyally supported and advanced. (Applause.) During the evening several enjoyable songs were given, a pleasant social evening concluding with supper.