Sanson

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 281, 28 November 1945, Page 4

Sanson

(From Our Own Coi*respondent.) The annual prize giving party of St. Thomas’ Sunday bchool was held during the past week. The afternoon opened with items by the chi’dren, the singing of the choir children being particularly harmoniously presented, the accompanist at the organ being the assistant superintendent, Miss Pam Butler. The Sunday School superintendent (Mrs. J. H. May) and her assistant were presented with most attractive “sprays” by Bronwen Sanson. Two of the bigger girls June Young and Shirley Reeve also made a presentation to the ‘teachers from the children. The Rev. Barnett on behalf of the paients con-

gratulated Mrs. May and Miss Butler for the excellent church work which they were doing and expressed the thanks of both parents and children for their interest. He apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mrs. Barnett owing to ill health. He then called on the children in turn to come forward and receive their prizes, tho recipients being as follows: Neville Grace, Bronwen Sanson, Warren Kent, Keith Harris, Barbara Drew, Russell Grace, Alwin Matthews, Graeme Harris, George Sanson, Gordon Young, Leicester Kent, Colin McConachy, Jose Scandlyn, John Leitch, Judith Staitc, Beth Drew, June Young, Shirley Reeve and Rex Harris. The children were later seated to the

“party” tables to partake of a delicious afternoon tea.

Mrs. J. Ivoster is away on holiday as the guest of Mrs. M. Sanson.

Tho friends of Mr. Ron Bishop will be pleased to learn that he has been discharged from hospital and has returned home.

The season generally for whitebait both in the Rangitikei and Manawatu was poor up to the closing date, but since then big “runs” have been observed in both rivers. It would seem that the native race have an inherited knowledge of the time when the main run would be as a month prior to the closing of the season representatives of the Maoris endeavoured to have the closing date extended, but before this could be effected au Order-in-Councn was found to be necessary, as the season was fixed by regulation. It was therefore not possible to obtain the extension during the current season. On Sunday, October 28, 1945, tlie Sanson Methodist Church was packed to capacity, the occasion being a memorial service to Ptes. Ken Pearce and Keith McCabe, two well-known boys of the district who were killed in action in the Middle East and Italy respectively. The service was organised by the local branch of the R.S.A. Tne church was beautifully decorated witn emblems'and flowers by the boys’ relatives, and wives and sisters of members of the R.S.A. Rev. H. Spencer, the local Methodist Minister, was in tne pulpit. Associated with him were Mr. E. N. Rowo, president of the Rongotea branch of the R.S.A., and Mr. J. Currie, vice-president of tho local branch or the R.S.A., in the absence of the president, Mr. K. Bailey, who had met witn a slight accident. The service opened with the singing of the National Anthem, after which Mr. Rowe spoke in glowing terms of tne characters of the two boys and their parents, whom ho had known so long. He then asked the congregation to join in singing “Lead, Kindly Light,” this being one of Ken Pearce’s favourite hymns. Mr. Currie then read the lesson > Esalm 46. Rev. Spencer gave a stirring address, his topic being “Why should men have to die?” The substance of the address was aptly' affirmed by John Oxenham in. his words:— By the red deaths we have suffered, By the fiery path we trod, By the lives we gave. All life to save, We call you back to God. During the service, some very appropriate items were rendered, those taking part being Mr. Allen Brown, or Wanganui, who sang “The Lost Chord” and “The Lord is My Light.” Mrs. Roper and Miss Tui Masters rendered the vocal duet, “God Will Take Care of You.” The “Introit” and “Vesper” were appropriately rendered as quartettes by Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Sanson and Mr. and Mrs. Spencer. Mrs. C. S. Hamlin officiated at the organ. The service was one which will dinger in the memories of the worshippers as a worthy tribute to the two men who fought the good fight and paid the supreme sacrifice.