PAPAROA’S METHODIST CELEBRATIONS

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1937, Page 11

PAPAROA’S METHODIST CELEBRATIONS

Celebrations in connection with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Methodist Church in Paparoa were advanced a further stage on Wednesday evening, when over 140 local residents and visitors attended a regal banquet in the Jubilee Hall. The present church in Paparoa was the successor to the first structure, which stood on the site of the present cemetery. The following members who had attended the original church were present at the Banquet; Mrs T. Nield (Aratapu); Messrs G. Wilson (Auckland); W., A. and G. Smith (Mata-* kohe). A feature of the function was the birthday cake, made by Mrs Ned Mot- j calfe and iced by Mrs M. Leafe. The j cake was cut by Mrs Nield, and dis- | tributed by a band of helpers. The Rev. Gordon Parker presided, I and acted as toast master.

The principal toast, “The Pioneers,” was ably handled by the Rev. Thornley, of Maungaturoto. who paid an eloquent tribute to the self-sacrificing courage and determination cf those early settlers who paved the way for Northland’s present prosperity. The spirit displayed by these folk, Mid the Rev. Thornley, was worthy of the high traditions they had inherited from their forebears. The Empire todaj owed an Prepayable debt of gratitude to those pioneers, who caiTicd the British flag and traditions to the far- ' flung corners of the earth, making possible the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Spirit of Determination

Those men and women who loft comfort and security at Homo to pave the way in New Zealand and in the Paparoa district had shown a spirit and determination equal to that displayed on any battlefield since the dawn of time. That this spirit was not dead proved during the days of the Great War, when virile young manhood, descendants of those old pioneers, worthily upheld the high standards inherited from their parents. In replying Mr G.'Wilson, of Auckland, dwelt on the vicissitudes of the early days and related many humorous and tragic episodes of the ’sixties and ’seventies. Mr' Wilson paid a tribute to the work of the Rev. W. Gittos, whose character and self-sacri-ficing attachment to the early settlers was one of the things that made life worth while.

Interspersed with the toasts were several appreciated vocal items by Miss Busbridge (Pori Albert). Rev. A. San ft (Hikurnngi) and Mr W. Roigard (Matakohc). During the evening the secretary of the Celebrations Committee, Miss E. Fenwick, read a lengthy list of letters and telegrams of greetings and good wishes from many friends unable to be present at ihe functions. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates. M.P. for the district, sent a telegram of congratulations, and apologised for bis unavoidable absence. Guests of Honour.

Among the guests of honour were the Rev. and Mrs Jamieson and the Rev. and Mrs W. H. Speer. The Rev. Speer was in charge of the circuit from 1914 to 1917.

In proposing the toast of the King, Mr E. G. Aickin made a departure from the orthodox fashion, giving a short summary of the lives of the five sovereigns under whom the majority of the gathering had lived. The toast list was as follows:—“The King,” Mr E. G. Aickin; “The Pioneers,” Rev. Thornley—Mr G. Wilson: “The Methodist Church,” Mr J. ScottDavidson—Rev. Jamieson; “Absent Friends,” Mr E. T. Birtles; “The Ladies,” Mr W. Hook—Mr A. H. Dallas; “Sister Churches,” Mr H. Hook—Mr G. Peake. A vote of thanks to all those who made the function possible was carried on the motion of Mr G. Skinner.