SANDON

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 110, 9 April 1934, Page 9

SANDON

(From Our Own Correspondent.) SANDON, April 6. Tho largo number who attended at tho Public Hall on Thursday evening was ample testimony to the esteem in which Rev. R. S. Johnson is held in the district. In addition to Sandon friends a number were present from Rongotea and Taikorea. Mr F. W. Tostevin, in opening the proceedings, said ho iioped all would mako tho gathering a social evening, and he read a letter from Rev. A. N. Scotter expressing regret at being unable to bo present. A short community sing followed. Items contributed by Miss Phylis Hill, Messrs Walsh. McDowell, Bond and Tostevin, interspersed with games, passed away a pleasant hour or so. At a convenient interval, Mr Tostevin asked the guest of the evening (Mr Johnson), Rev. A. E. Fordyce and Mill. R. Mastors to tako seats on tho platform. Mr Tostevin said the evening had been arranged to servo a dual purpose; firstly, to provide an opportunity to say goodbye to Mr Johnson and to welcome Mr Fordyco and family. Addressing Mr Johnson the speaker said he was sure that it was tho wish of all that at some future timo he would again bo witli them, and assured him a warm welcome would await him. Ho congratulated Mr Johnson on the success he had met with, particularly among tho young pcoplo. The thanks of church members were duo to him for Lis efforts in leaving the circuit with a credit balaneo for his successor. In introducing Mr Fordyco. tho speaker said ho hoped their stay in the district would bo a happy one. Mr 11. R. Masters endorsed the remarks of Mr Tostevin and said that even the little children were sorry Mr Johnson was leaving them. On behalf of many friends, Mr Masters asked Mr Johnson to accept the contents of an envelope, which carried with it the best wishes of all. Musical honours wero accorded tho recipient when ho rose to respond. Mr Johnson said ho felt a little nervous and thanked Mr Tostevin and Mr Masters _ for their kindly remarks. His short stay in the district had been a happy one and he would miss tho welcome faces of many oi tho children. The gathering was an inspiration to him to carry away to his now circuit. Ho was pleased with tho attendance: at church for his farewell service and hoped the pcoplo would support Mr Fordyce. Ho urged the young people to taka a stand and fight on. Mr Fordyce said that when he had received the invitation to bo present he thought tho idea of the gathering a fine one. As a brother minister ho assured the gathering that Mr Johnson had earned tho respect of all. He little thought when at Sanson somo 18 months ago that he would be coming as their superintendent. He paid a tribute to the late Rev. P. J. Cossum, saying he felt it an honour to bo asked to succeed him in this circuit. Mr Fordyce hoped to carry on with the work among the young people. Church members and friends would find he had a willing helper in Mrs Fordyco who would bo prepared to do her share. Mr Johnson (Taikorea) said that the efforts of their retiring minister wero appreciated by the members of the Taikorea Bible Class. They were sorry he was leaving, and ho assured him their prayers would bo with him in his new district. Ho asked Mr Johnson to accept a parcel of books with their regards. Mr P. Hazelwood (Sandon Biblo Class) expressed the appreciation of Sandon members and also handed Mr Johnson a parcel of books. Mr Johnson said that, it had boon a great pleasure to him to visit his Taikorea friends. He hoped those pre sent would tako back to members his sincere appreciation and that the friendships formed in Taikorea would be renewed at somo future time. Ho was proud of his success in forming such a largo Bible class at Sanson and also looked forward to meeting them all again. Air Johnson resumed his seat amid prolonged applause. A dainty supper was served by lady friends.