VALEDICTORY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 15, 15 December 1937, Page 14

VALEDICTORY

MR AND MRS G. G. HANCOX. METHODIST CHURCH FUNCTION. Members of the Cuba Street Methodist Church met on Monday evening to farewell Mr and Mrs G. G. Hancox and family, who are shortly leaving for Masterton, there being a large attendance. Rev. A. Blakemore, who presided, said that the esteem in which Mr and Mrs Hancox were held was evidenced by the number of farewell gatherings held in the city. The Church was proud of the influence for good they had exerted in the community; both had gifts and talents, and they had used their gifts in the high service- of God and humanity. The Church was glad to pay a tribute to their work. Mr Hancox, added the speaker, had held a number of positions in the Church, and had fulfilled all the duties with credit, while Mrs Hancox had served it principally through the medium of the Ladies’ Guild. Her executive ability had been revealed in the officers of treasurer, secretary and president. Both had proved their value and it was with regret that the Church had to say farewell. Mr Blakmore congratulated Mr Hancox on his new appointment, and expressed the hope that in their new sphere, Mr and Mrs Hancox might be conscious of the leading hand of God.

Mr A. H. Fisher, speaking as a costeward with Mr Hancox ; said he had known the guests ever since they had come to Palmerston North. During their association with the Church many changes had taken place; the old had given place to the new so far as the building was concerned. During the period of the depression the church had suffered severely from the earthquake, and it was at that period that Mr Hancox had shown his ability, and willingness to help in a time of great difficulty. In all these good works he had been willingly supported by his wife. The Church was proud that the appointment at Masterton had been offered to Mr Hancox ,and he would leave with the prayers and goodwill of all.

Mr T. R. Hodder, who spoke on behalf of the Trust Board, said Mr Hancox had taken over the property affairs at a time of great difficulty. His success had revealed his genius for organising and inspiring confidence, and in all his good work he had been greatly assisted by Mrs Hancox; she had been a real woman alongside a real man. “Mr Hancox 1 has a manner that wins the support Jof all with whom he has to do. He 1 has the Christian spirit within him, and this spirit is an influence for good on all those under his charge,” concluded the speaker. Mr J. 0. Boniface, the Sunday school superintendent, speaking on behalf I of the youth of the Church, said that the guests were characterised by the spirit of modesty. Mr Hancox had done a great work in fitting boys and girls for their future Jives and in the midst of a very busy life had found time to devote himself to the work of the primary department of the Sunday school. On behalf fo the youth he wished Mr and Mrs Hancox and family God’s blessing in their new sphere. The opportunity was given for others to speak, and this was taken advantage of by Mr C. 'Woodley, the veteran local preacher of the Church, and by Mr G. Allman. Mrs Hodder was then called upon to make the presentations. In doing so she expressed her appreciation of the fellowship and the work of the guests, and also of the willingness of the Misses Elsie and Gwen Hancox to assist at all times. A beautiful fireside chair was then presented to Mr and Mrs Hancox and a book to each of the young ladies. GUESTS'’ RESPONSE. Mr Hancox expressed the appreciation he and Mrs Hancox felt at the presence of so many friends of the Church. Opportunities of service had been offered them, and they had been glad to take their part, for he I believed that every member should be willing to hold one office in the Church. I He owed a lot to the Church, and from I childhood had been in association with Christian enterprise. From the first he had -felt that the spirit of friendliness prevailed at the Cuba Street Church. The Work of the primary department had given him much joy. and as secretary of the Trust Board he had had the loyal co-operation of the trast members and the members of the Church. So far as his other activities were concerned, he believed that a citizen should endeavour to exert an influence in the various organisations of the city. In conclusion, thanks were expressed to the Church for the presentation, and for the kindly words. Mrs Hancox, in a few words gracefully spoken, expressed appreciation of all that had been said. Miss Yvonne Nicholson entertained with Scottish dances, accompanied on the bagpipes by Mr V. Nicholson, Miss J. Clarke with an elocutionary 1 item, Mrs Twigge with a solo, and members of the choir with a quartette and quintette. Supper was served at the close of the function.