VALEDICTORY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 205, 31 July 1939, Page 10

VALEDICTORY

MR A. J. GRAHAM HONOURED. St. Andrew’s Memorial Hall presented a very happy scene when members of the iSt. Andrew’s Presbyterian Choir gathered to bid farewell to their choirmaster, Air A. J. Graham. Berries in rich shades of green ami orange mingled with maidenhair fern decorated the tables, which were arranged around a glowing (ire. Seated with Air A. J. Graham were Aliss Joan Patou, Air Gordon Patou and Air J. K. Patou, and Air and Airs V. B. Tennent. Aliss Baton was presented with a dainty shoulder spray by Aliss Gladys Piper on behalf of the choir. A pianoforte duet by Ali-s R. Inkivn -nil i : ss Al. Emmett was much appreciated, as were vocal solos by Airs . ....n ,iii,i pii.vsos J>.igii and Beuiuchamp. A vocal solo by Air Andrew Kennedy was most enjoyable. Air Tennent, who presided, apologised for the unavoidable absence of Rev. J. Hubbard, and stated that he felt it to ho both a compliment and a privilege to preside on the occasion, which was a most important one. Tlie gathering testified to tlie love and affection with which Air Graham was held by the choir members, who had assembled to do honour to one who had served them so faithfully and loyally for many years. Reference was made by Air Tennent to the splendid work accomplished by Air Graham during the period of tho Napier earthquake, aml stressed the fact that even through such trying circumstances Air Graham had remained loyal to tho cause and had attended practices regularly. Tn reference to Air Graham’s retirement, Air Tennent said that the time had come when Air Graham felt that he would like to hand on the clinic work to a younger man, and he felt sure that Air Graham would carry with him the love and warmth of friendship of all who had served with him as organist and choirmaster, and they prayed that God’s richest blessings might rest on him throughout the coming years.

Mr Tennent called on Air ’lily to make the presentation. Air Tily said that it was with love and affection from members of the choir that he asked Air Graham to accept several gifts. These comprised a travelling rug monogrnmined, a pair of wool-lined suede slippers, and a pair of suede gloves. Afr Tily made reference to the work accomplished by Air Graham as choirmaster, and as one of tho members wished to sincerely thank him for all the teaching and help so willingly and patiently given. It was with a deep feeling of gratitude that the members wished Afr Graham to accept these tokens. Few men, continued ATr Tily. had been privileged to give such a long and loyal service ns choirmaster and organist as had Air Graham, and his retirement would carry with it the friendship and affection of those whom he had served so faithfully. Air Graham was accorded musical honours. Air Graham, in reply, said that he wished to thank all present from the bottom of his heart for the honour they had done him in tending him tliis complimentary and valedictory social. Any work he had accomplished had been a labour of love. The time had come to bid the choir a fond farewell. "While this break would he a big wrench for him. he wished to thank members for their comradeship, united efforts at all times to give of their best. Afr Graham mentioned that he had been honoured by being made honorary life organist, and he felt sure that should the occasion arise when ho would call on them to assist linn the choir would give of its best as in the past. He recalled that the happy associations with the choir over so in any years liacl been sustained by the warmth of friendship, and held many happy and hallowed memories. Air Graham said that he felt very happy indeed to see Air R. L. C. Aitchison present on this occasion, as be had known him from boyhood, and together with business associations the friendship had been a life-long one. Happy memories wore recalled by Air Graham of those who had been associated with him throughout his activities. Many of these had passed on. hut their memories still lingered, and they were recalled with a little sadness on this occasion. , Afr Graham asked Air Tennent to accept on behalf of the office-bearers a framed and enlarged photograph of the organ in its old setting. Air r J eunent- replied, extending thanks on behalf of the office-bearers for the thoughtful gift, and said it would prove a much valued one by the Church. Manv incidents were recalled which wore both humorous and interesting by Air Graham and Air Tennent. ' The happy evening was to a close by the singing of “Auld Lang Svno.” The hostesses were: Afesdamcs H. G. Drake and R. L. C. Aitchison. and the committee Alessrs Tily and Cilland and Alesdamcs Niven and Inkpen, and Aliss Collins, ably assisted by members of the choir. The decorations were carried out hv Airs 11. G. Drake.