REV. AND MRS. ELLIOTT FAREWELLED.

Northland Age, Volume 25, Issue 29, 5 November 1925, Page 7

REV. AND MRS. ELLIOTT FAREWELLED.

A well kncvn writer say- "that the world revolves about tli ■ performances of each man and woman.” This can aptly be applied to the performances of the Rev. W. Elliott, M.A.. and Mrs. Elliott, who took their departure from Kaitaia on Tuesday last. As head of the local Presbyterian Church, Mr. Elliott was Inown all over the Northland, and he has had the satisfaction of seeing his efforts bear frwit, as evidenced by the fine new church at Kaitaia and the real displayed in all centres. Mr. Elliott was ably assisted by Mrs. Elliott, who also took a very keen interest in chureh and social work. Herserv ees in the different spheres in which she laboured will be hard to fill. In her church she was Superintendent of the Sunday School and the number of pupils attending showed the keen interest taken by the pupils. Both Mr. and Mr-. Elliott will be missed in the Net! but they have left an example which is an incentive to "go and do likewise.” They take with them the best wishes of all sections of the community. It was a tine gathering that assembled at the Church on Monday night to say good-bye to Mr. and Mrs. Eiliott and the speeches and presentations were a tine tribute to the popularity of the guests. The chair was occupied by Mr. Frank Banks. After the opening hymn, and some other items, a troup of Boy ~ Scouts were drawn up, and Scout Maurice Munn, in a few well chosen words, presented Mr Elliott with a Slazenger tennis, tacqiet, expressing the Scouts’ ppreciation of his work. Mr. Elliott thanked the jovs for their useful present an ' the feeling which prompted its presentation, and expressed the hope that the boys would grow up true Scouts and men. The boys then gave a haka ot farewell. The Rev. R. H. Johnson, v icar of St. Saviour’s, expressel his pleasure at seeing such a large . and representative gathering. He referred to Mr. Elliott’s fine work for the Church, a work which made his departure a great loss. He also referred to the splendid work done by Mrs. Eiliott, who had proved a haven ot refuge to many in trouble. He was sure Gonville would extend them a very hearty welcome and both • he and Mrs Johnson wished them happiness and prosperity in their new home. Mr. D. H. Lewis, ii presenting the guests with a subst int ; al cheque, which was subscribed to by all denominations from all over the district, spoke humourously of Mr. Elliott’s work in building the chnrch at K itaia. Mr. Elliott had helped them get the timber from the bush, and this was, the speaker believed, his first job in the bush. Mr. Elliott had made gnod in the bush as he had with the Church. This was eloquent testimony from a bushman who admitted he would ■ rather cut a cord of wood ino sixinch blocks than make a speech. Continuing, Mr. Lewis said he was closely associated with Mr. *• and Mrs. Elbert in their work and he was sure they wou'd be hard to replace. He then handed Mr. Elliott the cheque amidst loud applause. Mrs. Elliott was the recipient of a handsome bouquet, presented by little Mivis McKinnon. Mr. Elliott, in reply, thanked the people for their generous presents and assured them he and Mrs. Elliott would always have happy memories of the district and its people. Should any of them ever visit Gonville they would be sure of a hearty welcome at Knox Manse. His successor, the Rev. Naylor, came to Kailaia a genuinely earnest man and he was sure he would do good work here. He would be glad to hear •f Mr. Naylor’s success. “The Kaitaia Church building is verydear to Mrs. Elliott and rr v self andks gri’wth is dear to us all,” Elliott. “There s an oltn saying that 'anyone wno drinks of the waters of the NMe shall return to drink again 'and we shall certainly come back some day to see our friends in the "North. I thank you very heartily” concluded Mr. Elliott. (Applause). Those present then rose and 0 sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” and cheers were given for both Mr. and Mrs. Elliott. Supper, and the singirg of Auld Lang Syne, termina ed a • very happy function. Those who contributed to the musical programme were: Messrs W. Geard, —Paulsen, D. and J. Archibald, E. McKinnon, I’.race McKinnon, L. Pettit, W. R. McKenzie, T. H. Kenny 1 , Mrs. R. A. JphtlStbn, Miss Latta, and Miss Peggy Ware. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. McKinnon, Mrs. Glynan and Miss Ware.