A WELCOME AND A FAREWELLING

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 212, 8 September 1938, Page 8

A WELCOME AND A FAREWELLING

Pleasant Function at All Saints’ Parishioners of All Saints* Church gathered in large numbers in the parish hall last evening to welcome officially their new curate, Rev. D. De Candole, and to farewell Mr. and Mrs. John Ax, prominent Church workers who arc icaving shortly for a holiday in Australia. Canon G. Y. Woodward, who waaccompanied by Mrs. Woodward wealing Burgundy crepe, extended a welcome to all and called upon Mr. O. Monrad, the church warden, to “set tn© ball rolling.** Mr. Monrad said the gathering was one of tho most pleasant occasions he could remember and a fitting one whereat to pay tribute to the services of Mr. and Mrs. J. Ax who had for so many years been such pillars of the church. “If we had more men like Mr. Ax iu the community then we need have no fears for the safe future of the community,** he said. Mr. Ax had faitn fully served All Saints* for over 50 years. Quiet efficiency had been the keynote of his character which had endeared him to all who knew him. Mr. C. G. Langridge, on behalf of the vestry, warmly endorsed Mr. Monrad *s remarks. It was to be his duty, he said, to take up Mr. Ax’s duties during his absence and it would be no easy tasa to live up to the high standard set by Mr. Ax. Mr. A. Dryden, representing AU Saints* Men’s Club, thanked all wuo had helped to make the function a success and wished Mr. Ax, who was a foundation member of the men’s bon voyage. In giving '‘honour where honour was due,” Canon Woodward said Mr. Ax was one who really loved his church and proved it by his untiring service. Mr. Ax had been wonderfully loyal ana helpful the speaker when he first came to All Saints’. Canon Woodward added his personal thanks, and went on so say that Mrs. Ax was what he called

“a mother of Israel.” She was always ready to help at church functions In any way. Tangible tokens of the parish's esteem presented to Mr. and Mrs. Ax respectively were a travelling rug and a handbag. Musical honours were accorded them. Mr. Ax briefly returned thanks for the expression of good wishes and said both he and Mrs. Ax were deeply touched. There was a beautiful spirit of unity in All Saints* Church, Mr. Ax said, and if it pertained outside tho church, life would not be so tumultuous. He had started in All Saints* as a boy chorister when Palmerston North was no more than a little backblock town and he had seen many great changes in the church. Occasion was also taken to welcome Rev. D. De Candole to his new charge, Mr. J. Holmes Runnicles expressing the hope that Mr. De Candole *s stay in the parish would be long and happy. These remarks were endorsed by Rev. J. 8. Holland. Canon Woodward said he had met Mr. De Candole at his old college (Lincoln) in England. He had chosen him for All Saints* and that day, his birthday, was a fitting one upon which to welcome him. These remarks were received with applause and Mr. Do Candole was accorded musical honours. He briefly replies. Mr. Woodward took the opportunity to thank the M.C., Mr. Finch, for his untiring efforts in making the evening so attractive and commended the artists upon their performances. The combined committee recruited from tho various church organisations was as follows: Mesdames T. Ingiis, who was wearing black cloque; tv Palmer, navy cloque. A. J. Hunt, apricot ribbed taffeta; J. Kennedy, black silk and blue sequined coatee; W. Phillips, black georgette; W. Bigham, black and figured silk; E. Metcalfe, blue wool crepe de chine; and Misses N. Stubbs, Marina blue crepe; E. Dryden, daffodil embossed silk; and Messrs. O. Monrad, C. G. Langridge, A. Dryden and H. Finch. The following programme contributed in no small measure to the evening';* enjoyment: Pianoforte solos, Mr. G. Dawson; vocal solos, Miss N. Sutherland; vocal trio, Mesdames W. Bigham. A. J. Hunt and Smale; vocal solos, Mrs. L. Ax; mouth-organ duets, Messrs. Mason and Thompson; and a playette by the Girls’ Club. At the conclusion of tho concert programme supper was served and modern and old-time dancing brought the happy function to a close. Music for dancing was supplied by Mr. G. Dawson, while Mr. H. Finch proved an able M.C. The accompanists for the evening were Mrs. F. Wollerman and Mr. J. Holmes Runnicles. Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. anu Mrs. A. E. Mansford), Airs. J. Holmes Runnicles and Mr. H. G. Bagnall.