FAREWELL SOCIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16339, 23 March 1915, Page 3

FAREWELL SOCIAL

DEPARTURE OF THE REV. W. WALKER. The social room of fcho "Octagon Hall was crowded lost evening for tho purpose of saying farewell and God-speed to the Rev. \Y. Walker, who has been appointed Methodist captain-chaplain to the forces at Trentham, and who will leave by tho second express on Wednesday to take up his duties. Tvyelvo months ago" Mr Walker was appointed to supply for tho Rev. W. Slado, who was visiting England. Mr D. C. Cameron, jun., presided, and short addresses of appreciation and farewell were delivered by Miss Hetherington, Mr R. Moffatt, and Mr P. S. Don (representing mission societies). An apology was tendered for tho Rev. W. Slade's absence awing to ill-health, and a. letter was read from him expressing his delight at the success attending Mr Walker's ministry in this city. Addresses wore also given by the Rev. E. Drake (chairman of the district), Senior Captain-chaplain tho Rev. F. T. Read, and Mr E. A. Rosevea-r, all of whom spoke in complimentary terms of the guest of tho evening. Tho Chairman stated that the members of the mission had decided that they could not let Mr Walker depart without giving him _ some token of their esteem and appreciation, and presented him with the value of a uniform of, a captain-chaplain, in tho shape of a purse of sovereigns, and thanked him for his services to the mission, which had been of a high order, both in the pulpit and pastoral .visitation, and wished him equal success among the young men in the camp at Trontham. Tho Rev. W. Walker, who wore his cap-tain-chaplain's uniform for the first time in ■public, briefly and feelingly responded, thanking one and all for their ijreat kindnesi to him sinco he arrived in Dunedin, and for the loyal support given, and, bespeaking for the newly-appointed superintendent (the Rev. Clarence Eaton), the same kindness and support, and hoping that great blessin? would attend the future of the Central Mission. Solos were rendered by Miss Jessio Clarkson and Mr R. Moffatt, and Miss Vera White gave a recitation. Hiss Harland presided at the piano. The meeting was exceedingly hearty and enthusiastic, and pave ample evidence of the high eeteem in which the Rev. Mr, Walker is held by the Central Miss'on, and was expressive of the high respect towards him in the city generally.