THE VAL-TRIGGE MISSION

Nelson Evening Mail, 19 May 1917, Page 4

THE VAL-TRIGGE MISSION

OLD HOME. GATHERING AT RICHMOND. The Richmond "Old Folks at Home" held - in ' the local Methodist Church and : -Schoolroom yesterday afternoon was a ; pronounced success in every way. Favour- ' ed by the beautiful weather, over 100 ! of the oldest residents of the town 'and neighbourhood congregated to hear Mr Trigge speak; much singing was heartily . indulged in, afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies of the Church, and a ( fine photograph of the group was taken by Mr Jones, of Nelson. During the afternoon competitions were held, and beautiful floral gifts provided by the young ladies of the tow a were presented to the prize-winners, besides which smaller bouquets were given to each lady present, buttonholes to each gentleman. •On an analysis of ihis audience of some 150 persons, most of whom -claimed to have seen at least 60 summers, it was discovered that there were present no less than 18 over 70 years of age, 10 over-75 years of age, 6 over 80 years of age. ' 3 over 81 years of age, 2 over 82■ years of age. . The "Queen"-oi the assemblage proved to bo a greatgre : at-g ran dmot-her—Mi\s Haycock, i Of those longest in the district, there | were 21 over 50 years' resident. 16 over 55 years' resident. 14 over 60 years' resident. 8 over 65 years' resident. 6 over 70 years' resident. 3 over 75 years' resident.

Mrs Smith was acknowledged as prizewinner, with a score of 76. Mr Tunnicliffe was also awarded a beautiful bouquet because he had' been in the Dominion for 76 years: The double event for the couple longest married and still going strong", was won by Mr and Mrs Jtfittall. Mr Mackay, age-d 82, having been converted in Nelson Hospital at the age of 17, was hailed as the holder of the longest Christian record. . Mr Mackay gave •■a number of interesting facts connected with his arrival and early life in 'New Zealand, and produced a framed picture depicting his family with all its farm- belongings about to embark from a Scottish port. The various motor-car owners of Richmond and vicinity generously conveyed many of the older people to and l'ro,' and very many expressions of thanks and delight were heard from the really happy old- folk; who voted the whole affair as one' of the most enjoyable of their very long lives., Vote? of thanks were carried by acclamation to the ladies who had worked so hard and given of their best so freely ; to the car-owners and to the -Rev. Mr Ashcroft, who had looked after "the whole business in such a very capable and pleasant manner. On Thursday night a torch-light pro-, cession was a ji-reat success. There have been many converts up to_ the present, exceeding the most sanguine hopes of the promoters. _ Services will be held by 'Mr Trior,go in the Methodist Church, Richmond, to morrow morning and evening, and' the mission will be continued each evening next week, until Wednesday, when the missioner will give his! famous "Story of My Life." No collections have been taken" for the expenses] of the mission, but a small charge is being made for the tickets for admission to the lecture:, and these are being very rapidly bought up., and a crowded house is assuredt