WELCOME SOCIAL.

Inangahua Times, 21 April 1932, Page 2

WELCOME SOCIAL.

The Wesley Hall was crowded lest evening to welcome the Rev. C. and Mrs Duncan and family as successors to the Rev. Mr Parsons. Mr T. E. Watson, Circuit Steward, made bis debut aa chairman, and welcomed the Rev. gentleman and family on behalf of the office bearers of the church. In extending the right hand of feliowahip, he hoped Mr Duncan’s ministry among them would prove a blessing to all. Kev Asbwin. on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, warmly welcomed the guests of the evening and hoped that the cordiality that existed between the brother ministers of the town wou d continue to exist between Mr Duncan and themselves. An apology ror absence was received from the Rev. Mr Bell, Vicar of the Anglican Church. Mr T. R. Watson on behalf of tbe congregations of Reefton and Black's Point churches, welcomed the Rev Duncan and family and hoped that the loyalty extended would be continued throughout Mr Duncan's ministry in Reefton.

The following items were contributed during the evening, each one receiving well deserved applause Choruses Sunday School children ; Duet, Misses Thompson and Burnett ; Solo, Miss Hutton ; Recitation. Mr A. Bray ; Solo, Miss Jones ; Violin solo, Mr J. McElwee ; Cornet duet, Messrs W and E. Baird ; Polo. Misa Langley ; istrumen l.item. Clark family : Solo, Mra Fairest ; Recitation, Mr L. Watson : Monologue. Mr S. Robinson. A competition " Old Songs ” was won by Miss Olive Dobson.

Tbe Rev Mr Duncan, in replying, asked tbe Chairman to favour him by recalliug tbe items given by Mr Bray (a recitation), ' The Welcome,’ composed by himself and the choruses given by the Sunday School children

Mr Duncan said Reefton was not altogether unknown to him, as his father had helped lay tbe water mains from the reservoir about fiftyfyears ago, and he would be pleased to meet any of the old identities who remembered him. He thanked all for their cordial welcome and felt at home when welcomed by the young Stewards at the Railway Station. He was pleased to have the comradeship of the brother ministers, as in his last circuit he was miles from any other minister. In concluding, he said be would do his best to further the interests of tbe town as well as bis Church.

A very enjoyable evening closed with the distribution of a bounteous supper supplied by tbe ladies of the Church.