VICAR OF BOMBAY

Franklin Times, Volume XXX, Issue 123, 3 November 1941, Page 2

VICAR OF BOMBAY

PUBLIC FAREWELL AT POKENO DEPARTURE FOR SYDNEY After spending several years at Bombay as vicar of the parish and chaplain of St. Stephen’s school, the Rev. Wm. G. M. Heerdegen, has left from Auckland to take up a new post as Rector of Millthorpe in the Diocese of Bathurst, New South Wales. On Wednesday evening a public farewell was accorded the vicar and Mrs Heerdegen at the Parish hall at Pokeno, when a huge crowd turned out on a beautiful evening to say “bon voyage” and good luck. .lust before supper, Mr J. T. Young, Ihe vicar’s warden, took the opportunity of speaking on behalf of parishioners and expressed Die wish that those who were about to sail would experience just as much happiness and success as they had in New Zealand. Mr W. G. Morris, headmaster of St. Stephen's school and secretary of the Vestry, added his tribute and said that although the “Aussies” were tough they would give Mr and Mrs Heerdegen a happy reception. Other speakers were the Rev. B. D. 0. Coleman, vicar of Tuakau, the Rev. K. Lilly, representing the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. R. Coombridge, of the Methodist Church, Mr A. Cummer, of Pokeno, and Mr A. Ramsey, the people’s warden. Mr J. T. Young, of Kopuku, then asked Mr Heerdegen to accept a.cheque, and expressed the wish that it would be of value to him during his travels?"

Two bouquets of flowers were presented to Mrs Heerdegen by Mrs 11. J. Woollen, of Ramarama, and Mrs A. Hummer, of Pokeno, who sqid that I, bey represented the love and affection of all. A lovely thought on the part of Mrs Heerdegen was the presentation of a spray of lily of the valley to Mrs Morris, wife of the secretary; Mrs Ramsey, wife of the people’s warden; and Mrs Young, wife of the vicar’s warden. Most of the evening was spent in dancing, the music being supplied by Mrs J. B. Parker, of Pokeno Valley. Splendid items were given by Mrs J. Stokes, of Kopuku, Miss J. Saunders, of Bombay, Mrs Robson, of Bombay, Mrs R. Connell, of Paparata, the Rev. B D 0. Coleman, of Tuakau-, and Mr J. T. Young. Mrs A. Oatridge played the accompaniments. After supper had been served by the ladies, everyone joined hands and sang “Auld Lang Syne.” The Rev. and Mrs Heerdegen then stood at the door and said “good bye” personally to all their friends.