FAREWELL AT OKAIAWA

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 27 March 1935, Page 11

FAREWELL AT OKAIAWA

MR. AND MRS. J. THRUSH CHURCH PRESENTATION REPRESENTATIVE G ATHERING. jßesidents of Gkaiawa assembled last. night- in the town hall to farewell Mr and Mrs J. Thrush and family, who leave shortly for New Plymouth. Mr Thrush has been a resident of the district for 17 years and was manager of the butter department at the Joll dairy factory The farewell last night was convened by members of the Methodist and Presbyterian denominations at Okaiawa.

There was a large attendance, visitors being present from many parts of South Taranaki. Proceedings took the form of a social. Novel and amusing games were played and a programme of musical and elocutionary items presented. The Rev. H. Cottom, Methodist minoster at Manaia, presided, and later in the evening made a presentation to Mr and Mrs Thrush.

A welcome was extended to the guests of honour and the visitors by Mr Cottom. He referred to the manner m which the Presbyterian Church had assisted in the farewell. It was pleasing to see this relationship between the churches.

The Rev. K. J- Watson (Norma nby and Okaiawa Presbyterian charge) said that the gathering alone was a tribute to the esteem in which Mr and Mrs Thrush and were held. Their departure would he a loss, not only to the Methodists, but also to the Presbyterians. Mr Thrush had aiways been a conscientious worker in the church. Mrs Thrush had carried out valuable work as superintendent of the Sunday school. He was certain that in years to come many young people would appreciate her teaching. In conclusion, Mr Watson wished t-lie guests of honour every happiness in the future.

Mr D. Wards also spoke on behalf of the Presbyterians. He endorsed the remarks of Mr Watson. He was sure he was expressing the view of all parents present when he said they were sorry to -see the departure oil the Thrush family. Mrs Thrush had built up the Sunday school in a manner which was a great credit to her. He hoped that Mr and Airs Thrush would look back with pleasure at the years spent in Okaiawa. Speaking on behalf of the Joll factory workers, Air O'. Crawford paid tributes to the efficient work of All Thrash at the factory and the manner in which Mr? Thrush had regularly attended the Sunday school. She had been a great help to parents, he said, in wishing the family happiness.

CHURCH AND PUBLIC LIFE. Air S. J. Bennett (Tokaora) on behalf of old friends in the district, wished Air and Airs Thrush long life and a happy future. They would bo missed in Okaiawa, both in church and public life ,he said. He had not known Air and Airs Thrush very long, but sufficient to realise the value of their work, for the church, he said, Air H. Silby (Manaia), Methodist circuit steward. He wished them health and prosperity. Mr Cottom said that the spirit of the gathering was an eloquent tribute to the esteem in which the Thrush family was held. He referred to the departure of Miss AI. and' Air E. Thrush. They had both been conscientious workers in the church and Bible class, he said. Air Cottom at this stage presented Air and Mrs Thrush with a handsome bronze fire screen on behalf of the Okaiawa church. The guests oil honour were accorded musical honours. Air Thrush thanked all present tor the good things that had been said about them and for the presentation. He referred to the Bible class, which had been a valuable institution, in Okaiawa.

She had enjoyed her work among the children, said Mrs Thrush. She expressed the hope that someone would come forward to carry on her work and referred to the loyalty of the teachers. ' All members of the family were sorry to leave Okaiawa, she said. During the evening the following enjoyable numbers were rendered: Songs, Misses B. Cottom, D. Orosbie, Messrs F. Tilley and J. Walker; pianoforte duet, Misses O. and E. Thomas; pianoforte solo, Miss Areta Rakena; recitation, Miss O. McEwen; quartette, the Silby family. The accompanists were Mrs Hemsley and Miss I. Crosbie. Comunity singing was led by Messrs P. and C. Blair and F. Tilley. The games played during the evening were led by Mr P. Blair.