WESTPORT NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 February 1924, Page 6

WESTPORT NOTES

(Own Correapondent )

WESTPORT, February 26. Canon Coursey who leaves Westport on Wednesday to take charge of St. John’s Church, Christchurch, has had a busy time farewelling during the last couple of days. The Canon preached farewell sermons to large congregations at the morning and evening services on Sunday, traversing some important church history and work enacted during his sojourn in this district. Special music was rendered at both services.

On Monday afternoon, Canon Coursey accepted an invitation to visit the Westport Technical High School, and say a few parting words to the pupils. The Canon, who has been Chairman of the Board of .Managers since its inception, tendered soin,e excellent advice to the students attending the institution regarding their scholastic duties and their recreative periods. Before leaving Miss Mura King, on behalf of the pupils, asked Rev. Coursey to accept a tobacco cutter, made in the engineering room as a small memento to mark the esteem in which he was held among the scholars. St. John’s Hall was packed last night when Canon and Mrs. Coursey were entertained at a farewell social by the members and adherents of the Anglican Church. Several musical items and selections were rendered and numerous speeches in appreciation of the Canon’s faithful woi;k among his flock were made. Messrs Harkness, Slee, Betts, Taylor and Stowell eulogised the services rendered to the Anglican and Christian cause by the Courseys since they took up Church work in Westport. Mr. McGeorge, senior warden, who ably fulfilled the position of Chairman after adding his quota of praise to the departing guests, presented Canon Coursey on behalf of the parishioners, with an attache case, a pair of pipes and a purse of sovereigns, with which to purchase some suitable memento. Mr. McGeorge accompanied the gifts with an expression of the best wishes of the people of Westport for the recipient’s future welfare. Canon Coursey, who was warmly received, thanked the parishioners for their kindly sentiments and handsome presents, which would ever serve to remind them of the many happy days spent in their midst. The Canon at length reviewed the work of the parish during his career and thanked them all for the assistance so readily gjiven at all times, which materially assisted in making his labours more light and pleasant. The Buller hospitality would never be forgotten by his good lady and himself and they would also retain and cherish happy memories of their” sojourn in Westport and the district. Canon Coursey regarded the future of this town and district in an optimisthe light and exhorted them all to work together for its advancement. He referred to the whole hearted support received in his mission of building the new church, which was now almost completed, and which he hoped shortly would be dedicated and opened, and trusted to be present for the celebrations. Canon Coursey also made complimentary reference to his successor, Rev. A. Jermyn, whom he dubbed a real fine fellow. He trusted that when his (the Canon’s) labours , were ended he would be permitted to spend his remaining days in Westport.