WELCOME SOCIAL.

Otaki Mail, 23 April 1934, Page 2

WELCOME SOCIAL.

REV. AND MRS. NELSON ENTERTAINED. The Rev. J-. R. and Mrs. Nelson, who recently arrived in Otaki £o take charge of the Methodist Circuit, in place of the Rev. M. Ayrton, who has been transferred to Tai Tapu, wore entertained by local and district residents at the Cosy theatre on Friday night. Both received a hearty welcome by a largo gathering, and throughout a deal of interest was evinced in the proceedings. Mr. Walter Taylor, Circuit Steward, presided, and in his opening remarks stated that it was hardly necessary to explain the object of the gathering. A fortnight ago they had met to say farewell to the Rev. and Mrs. Ayrton, now they were present to welcome the Rev. and Mrs. Nelson. It was desired that their friends meet them and thus help to make their work easier. He then asked that the guests be given a real hearty Otaki welcome. This was the signal for hearty and prolonged applause. Mr. Taylor then made apologies from several unable to be present, among the number being the Rev. Slade and the Rev'. T. R. Richards, Superintendent Minister. The latter, who forwarded a letter, stated: “As I shall be prevented from attending your welcome social to your newlyappointed Minister I should like to associate myself, as chairman of the Wellington district, with your public meeting. I wish to warmly congratulate your circuit on the appointment made by the recent conference. In the Rev. J. R. Nelson you have a tried, approved, and superior man, who will worthily represent our Church in your" midst and prove an ornament to its citizenship. Mrs. Nelson is a lady whose praise is in all the Churches and whose gifts and graces will greatly enhance the social activities of your Church. I predict for them, and for our Methodist Church, u happy springtime of prosperity and spiritual revival. Further applause followed. Mr. Taylor stated that they realised that the people of Otaki were fortunate in securing such a man as the Rev. Mr. Nelson, and it was now desired that all have a free and easy evening so that they could meet both the Rev. and Mrs. Nelson. He did not want anyone to go away and say that, they had had no opportunity of meeting them.

The Rev. Nelson stated that when ho was in the Taranaki district he had come into contact with cows and had expected when leaving that district to get away from them. However, the problem of the cow was acute and he had found almost as many in this district as in Taranaki. He spoke of the serious time the fanners were having and hoped soon to see a return to prosperity which would be reflected in the service of God. They were all, more or less, worried over finance, but he hoped that they were not unduly worried, and he thought that if they attacked the problem in a proper way they would find they wore on the highroad to recovery. The Rev. Nelson warmly thanked all for their warm welcome, and stated that on arrival in Otaki they had been met by ladies and entertained, and he asked, what would they do without the ladies. He spoke of the great help accorded him by Mr. Taylor, who had driven hint throughout the district and introduced him to many friends, all of whom had given him a hearty welcome. He was glad to have made the acquaintance of so many and was now glad to meet’ others at a social. He assumed that members of the Church were workers, not shirkers, and he therefore believed that there would bo no slacking. He asked for co-operation and said that he felt sure all were prepared to give of their best and push the gospel chariot along. He appealed to all for assistance, and asked that .God help them. He was pleased that Ministers of other denominations were working together in a fine way and hoped such work would continue among all Churches. .(Applause).

Mr. Taylor explained that the absence of the Rev. Carroll, Ramson, and the Rev. Father Riordan was due to prior engagements. Later in the evening the Rev. Mr. Nelson stated that he desired to meet the young people one day next week when he hoped to be able to help them socially and spiritually. During the proceedings competitions, arranged by Mr . and Mrs. Cockrell, caused interest. They were won by Miss Grant and Miss Hollis. Supper was served and gTeatly appreciated. A fine musical programme was submitted and enjoyed. Those contributin'* items were: Recitation, Miss Lois Best; vocal solo, Mrs. Irving; recitation, Miss Loehore; stories, Mr. Lowry; musical monologue, Mrs. Carroll; vocal solo, Miss Tabiwi; vocal solo, Miss Grant; pianoforte solo, Miss Loehore; vocal solo, Rev. Mr. Nelson.