HALCOMBE.

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 1482, 3 May 1911, Page 3

HALCOMBE.

A GREAT COMPLIMENT.

SEND-OFF TO REV. E. WALKER

One of those functions which do a gr-eat deal to remove those barriers most folk are apt to set up between, different religious sects took place ax Halcouibe on Monday night, when the whole countryside gathered together to give the Rev. Mr- Walker a send-off he is not likely to forget no matter now many years he Jives. For some weeks past Mr Walker has been holding services in the Public Hall, at the request of residents in the district who did not belong to ibis Church, and there has been exceptionally large congregations throughout. In recognition of this work it was decided to give Mi , and Mrs Walked and family a send-off 'before they left on Tuesday by the Main Trunk •express, for Auckland en route to. Ilarotonga aaid Francisco. Mr Buronam presided and amply filled the bill by his kindly-expressed sentiments and happily worded allusions to the guests of the evening. Speeches were made by Messrs J. Morrison, Daniels, Eichfer, Overton, Osborne, and others, in which reference was made to Mr Walker's broadmindedness, liberality of thought, open-handednessi, <a-nd ' consideration ■for every member of the community in sickness or distress. Regret was expressed at his loss from the community where he did much to make life easy and happier for the residents, and the wash expressed that Mr and Mrs Walker and family would find renewed health and happiness in their future home, and every prosperity "they could wish. The Chairman presented Mr Walker with a purse of sovereigns subscribed by the residents of all religious beliefs, from the widow's mite and the shilling of the working man to the large sums from those who could afford it, and in doing so expressed a personal dote or regret at the departure of their guests and a (hearty meed of appreciation of the freat qualities! exhibited by Mr Waler during his residence amongst them.

The ißev. Mr v/alker expressed his surprise and gratification at the interest and enthusiasm shown an what he had heen able to do for them. He may have something of j what, they gave him credit for, but he could "(honestly say that they had done him'far more good by the manner in which the , ' had attended the meetings and heartened him up by their appreciation of his work. He was astonished to find that such a good impression had been made by his Avork amongst them; but the sincere compliments he had received would mot make him feel one sheet Jof paper higher in his own estimation that lie used to be, for he had a stronger sense of his own deficiencies than, of his good qualities'. He referred to the reasons which had induced him to decide to leave for California, the suitability of the climate for Ins wife's health and the fact that he believed the time had arrived for a change. Tihey would break their passage at Rarotonga, where the family would stay for a few months, but he would go on to California to prepare a home for them. In regard to his work at Halcombe he pointed out that he was animated by a desire to gain their cofidence so that lie could be useful in cases of sickness, distress and misfortune, for he felt that in that way he could be personally useful to the community. He spoke in feeling terms to the young men, pointing out that it was their duty to put a high value on their lives by increasing their usefulness, developing the spirit of enterprise, getting away from the town and carving a home for themselves in the back b'ibcks instead of being contented with what was around them. Referring to a remark made by the Chairman that he had refrained from giving offence in his advocacy of the temperance cause, he said he recognised that the people were responsible for the existence of the traffic and it was not right to abuse those who carried it on. 'As the Chairman had said, he agreed that the new legislation did not prevent ia man manufacturing liquor in a no-license district for his own luse, but it did say that if a man wanted it he mustfc make it ihimself. The United Kingdom Alliance and similar organisations had always made the traffic itself and the individual the ground of attack, leaving to the man himself the question as to whether he should be a teetotaller or not. He heartily thanked them all for the kindness shown to Mrs Walker, iiimiself and family during their residence at Halcombe and heartily reciprocated the kind wishes so freely expressed that evening. Mr Walker had a great reception, and was freely applauded during his speech. A great number of musical items were contributed during the evening iby Miss Smith, Miafs Craine, Mrs Daniell, and 'Messrs Christian (2), Daniell, Craine, Bowker, and others. A capable orchestra, including Miss Managh "and Messrs Christian, Ferguson, Smith and Bowker gave several selections during the evening.

An appetising supper was provided by the ladies of the district. Apologies were received from the Rev. G. Budd (who was engaged at a Bible tercentenary meeting), the Rev. Jas. Mackey (who was conducting a special mission at Bulls), Mr Cawood (who was in the hospital for an operation, but sent a kind message of sympathy), and others.