REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 31 March 1932, Page 2

REEFTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) REEFTON, March 30. The funeral of Percy Clifford Corriu, the lad who sustained fatal injuries through a tree falling on him at Inangahua Junction on Saturday last, took place this morning, quite a large number of residents of the Inangahua district being present. A last tribute was paid to the little fellow by the pupils of the Inangahua School, who were present in charge of the Headmaster, Mr Stanley, and four of lhe senior boys, acted as pall bearers. The services at the church and the graveside were conducted’ by the Rev. W. Bell. The Wesley Hall was crowded to capacity last evening by a most representative gathering of citizens, when a farewell social was tendered by members of the Methodist Church to Rev. T. W. and Mrs Parsons and family, who are leaving on Saturday for England. Mr T. R. Watson, the chairman, referred to the good work of the departing guest during his four years’ ministry in the Reefton district. The following items were rendered:—Pianoforte duet, Misses B. and E. Langley; Solos, Misses Williams, McHenry, Hutton; Instrumental quartet, Messrs W. I and E. Baird, L. Robinson, W. Sara; Mouth Organ Duct. Messrs Clark;

Solo, Mrs Fairest; Recitation, Alex. Bray. Rev. Ashwin, on behalf of Knox Church, badc farewell to Mr Parsons, who had ever been a great help to him during his office here. Mrs Parsons was always willing to assist her husband in his work for the good of the Church. He wished the guests God speed and every happiness in their future life. On behalf of the Salvation Army. Ensgin Liddy said he was there to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Parsons, which he did with deep regret. Mr Parsons was one always willing to assist the Army in anything which they had undertaken. Mr Jack Dellaca, Secretary of the Reefton Young People’s Guild stated it was juo to their President ’s untiring efforts that the Guild had been first opened in 1929 and his place would indeed be hard (o fill. His kindly advice and assistance would always be remembered. Mr L. Watson spoke on behalf of the Black’s Point. Christian Endeavour Societies reiterating previous speakers’ remarks. .Mr J. McElwee on behalf of the Bible Class and Sunday School presented the children with their prizes and voiced regret at the departure of his scholars as well as Mr and Mrs Parsons. He presented Vera Parsons with a small token of appreciation of her services as pianist?. Mr T- R. Watson representing the Black’s Point and Reefton Churches, eulogised Mr Parsons' worth

as a citizen as well as a minister, and in M:s Parson s he had a great colleague to assist him. He assured Mr and Mrs Parsons that all regretted the circumstances that compelled them to take this step. Mr W. B. Auld, on behalf of the Reef ton School Committee, of which Mr Parsons was a member, .-poke h ghly of hi s sterling qualities as a member. He asked Mr Parsons to accept a set of military brushes as a memento of their happy association. Mr E. Elliston tendered his thanks to Mr Parsons on behalf of the Inangahua Silver Band for the kind treatment and courtesy always meted out "to them on occasions of visits made at different times. He had found Mr Parsons always interested in Band work and their mus e. Mr T. Watson, junr., asked Mr Parsons’ acceptance of a wallet of notes as a token of the high esteem in which he was held by all. Mr Parsons then replied, thanking them for their kind presentation and all the speakers for their kind words. He regretted having to leave the Ministry, but circumstances so decreed. He had always led a Christian life and always would, and would never lack in his endeavours to spread the faith whenever possible. His stay in Reefton had been a very happy one. It was hard to leave friends, but borne was calling and family love prevailed. Mr Par1 sons also eulogised the loyal support accorded to him by the members of th? different branches of the Church. The singing of “In the Sweet By an«i By” concluded the programme. A bounteous supper provided by ‘he ad'es concluded the evening.