HOKITIKA NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 April 1927, Page 6

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.)

HOKITIKA, April 28. Mr J. Lloyd, who left for Lower Hutt yesterday morning, was the guest at a gathering of citizens in McIntosh’s club rooms on Monday evening. Mr H. A. Thompson presided, and referred to Mr Lloyd’s long and useful connection with the town, and his impending departure. Mr E. C. Toohey, in proposing the toast of the guest, said Mr Lloyd had served on most of the local public bodies, and the fact that he usually headed the poll showed he served the public vyell,. and they in turn showed their appreciation. Mr Lloyd’s departure will be regretted by many, but he was quite sure that the residents of Lower Hutt would soon discover his worth and iTe would be, again called upon to serve the publie. Eulogiums were also made by Messrs J. J. Mclntosh, J. Wallace, E. Bawden, A. K. Good, and C. Friend.

Mr Lloyd, in reply, said he regretted the time had come when he had to leave his lifetime friends behind, for he had lived 60 years m Hokitika, being brought here when a mere child. He would always think of those years and his work here. He thanked all for their kind references and their gift (a suitcase, presented by the Chairman), which was a symbol of their goodwill. He' invited them all to “look him up” when jn the Wellington district. The singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and the National Anthem brought the evening to a close. Last Tiiesday night a social gathering took place in St. Andrew’s Hall to mark the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of the Presbyterian Church in Hokitika. The Rev. J. W. Hayward presided over-a . large attendance. Addresses reminiscent of. the early history of the Presbyterian Church in Hokitika were given by the Chairman (from records gleaned from church books and early “West Coast Times”), the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry), the Rev. Canon T. Hamilton (on behalf of the Anglican community). Rev. KnowlesSmith (for the Methodist Church), Mr Jas. Park, Mr A. Aitken, and Mr S. J. Preston. Mr Aitken’s address, particularly, contained many interesting facts concerning the early history of the church here. The first marriage recorded in Hokitika was that of Mr Aitken’s parents, and. Mr Aitken him self was baptised in the house of the late Mr Mark Sprot before the Presbyterian Church was built. All the speakers referred to the fine stamp of men here in the early days. Refernece was made to the great work of the first minister, the Rev. John Gow, and those stalwarts of the Presbyterian Church here in the early days, A. Bonar, C. E. Button (afterwards Chief Justice), D. W. Virtue and others. The long ministry of, the Rev. W. Douglas (26 years) and the high intellectual quality of the Rev. P. BFraser* (12 years) were referred to by Messrs Preston and Aitken. A programme was contributed by the following :—Solos by Mrs Harrison and Miss Drake (Greymouth), pianoforte solo by Miss Madge King, pianoforte duet Misses P. Wells and Thompson; pianoforte trio by Misses. Connie Sherman, Dolly McWhirter and Jessie Smith ; guitar duet by Misses Lynn and Mr Keesing ; recitation by Miss Joy Wrfrd, and the choir rendered three anthems. Miss P. Thompson accompanied on the piano and organ. A collection in aid of the Scots Memorial Church Fund realised £ll. Supper was provided by the ladies, and the singing of a verse of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close.