AU REVOIR.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7957, 14 April 1904, Page 3

AU REVOIR.

Rev T. W. Newbold Farewelled.

If the 'Rev. T. W. Newbold had any forebodings as to the feelings entertained towards him by his congregation, they were happily dispelled last night. The popular minister, having sojourned at Cuba-street Methodist Church for the allotted four years, has been transferred to Auckland. Last night his congregation gathered round him for the " fareWell grip 6' the hand." The neat, compact little church was packed, and the proceedings were characterised by warm cordiality, though the impending departure cast its shadow over all. Mr E. Grove presided.

The first speaker was the Rev. A. C. Lawry, who warmly eulogised his old schoolfellow and comrade. He contrasted the present handsome sanctuary With the old condition of affairs, and ■aid they had only to look around them for a memento of "Mr Newbold's work. Though sorry he was going, they would be glad to learn that their minister was returning to Kingsland, Auckland, the scene of his boyhood. Mr Collis tLongburn) followed in eulogistic strain, and then Mr T. E. Hodder, junior circuit steward, had a few words to say. Referring to the progresfl that had been made, Mr Hodder ■aid that when Mr Newbold came amongst them the Church had only twenty-six members. Today there were a hundred and twelve. There was no Christian Endeavour Society then. Now they had one of the most successful between New Plymouth and "Wellington, there being 50 members on the roll. Mr Hodder was sorry their minister was going. If he had his way he would keep ■ him here "for the term of his natural life." [Referring to the financial state of the Church, the speaker said that when Mr Newbold came they could only raise dGIS per quarter. Now they raise considerably over £80 a quarter. In Mr Hodder presented the minister, on behalf of the congregation and circuit, with a handsome roll-top desk.

■■ Another presentation followed, Miss Murphy, President of the Christian [Endeavour class, handing the minister •n artistically-framed photograph of the members.

" I scarcely knqw how to look modest to-night," observed the Bey. T. W. Uewbold, rising to return thanks. He then went on to express his heartfelt gratitude, and heartily eulogised the ■plendid staS of officers he had had to .help him.

During the evening songs were contributed by Mr and Mrs Hodson (duet), Urs Gilmour, Miss Graoie Grove, Mr Arthur Mowlem, Mrs Hodder and Mrs Gilmour (duet).