TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2198, 16 April 1896, Page 28

TAPANUI.

April 14.— Tha annual ram fair was held here on Saturday hat mMr Ruin's yards. There was A good number of exhibits, and a large crowd of farmers were present, but there seemed to be no 'cjemand, as very few were disposed of. t- Accident.— Mr A. Rodger bad the misfortune .to fill off an express waggon at Brookedale on ilTrfday morning, sustaining a fracture of two ribs 'juid other injuriesyof a less serious nature. S Brunkeu RklieV Fund.— The mayor is prosefcuting an active canvass on behalf of the relief tund. I understand that he has received subscriptions amounting to close on £40, tuid that fchis will in all probability be greatly increased. Farewell Soirees— A farewell soiree was ten'Stlered to Mr Featheretone on Thursday last by jjbhe members of the Wesleyan Church, as a mark iof appreciation of bis services during the time he shag acted as their pastor. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, and very great [praise is due to those who took this work in hand. sTea was begun about 6.30, and continued till 8 ©clock. The eatables were abundant and of quality, and the ladies did their utmost fco make all feel comfortable. After the tables £vere removed the programme of the evening was fcommenced. Mr A. Stead occupied the chair. 'After the singing of the 100 th Psalm, and prayer s>y the Rev. A. Begg, the chairman expressed refect that some of the speakers had not turned up. *fe called upon Misses Manuel and Messrs Murray Hfor the quartet "Marching on." Next came a Iduet by Misses Manuel, "The sea of glass," which was followed by the solo, Heavenly *est, M by Miss Uren. At this stage the {chairman intimated that they had just received notice from the chairman of the district £hat Mr Featherstone is to proceed to Riverion, land that his successor here would be Mr Wilson. |3.! he Rev. A. Begg said he had intended to speak itipon the union of the churches, but a3 he had been rather busy during the week he would sub"ftitute a paper lon " True Happine3B." The paper /Was carefully got up, and wbb mush appreciated, tod at the close the speaker was heartily applauded. The reading of a paper as "A Soiree Speech" proved a novelty, and was a source of some amusement. Miss Manuel gave the solo holy city," which was followed by the " Ring the joy bells," by Misses Manuel fend Messrs Murray. Mr J. L. Burrell »ang ?' Resignation " ; Misses Manuel, the duet " Peace %o thy spirit"; Misa Uren, the solo "Children home"; then came the quartette "Bring them |n." Mr Featherrtone then addressed the meetxng. In speaking of the work done in the church Muring his term, it waa scarcely possible to state it had amounted to, as eternity could only iteveal that. He might, however, give them a fchort statement of the finance. During the past three years the district had contributed the aum %f £121 per year, out of which £20 had been'paid In reducing the debt on the church and £10 per year for other expenses, which left him a salary of j£9l per year. He thought they would see he had hot made bis pile ; but he was glad to say he did >iot preach the Gospel for the purpose *>f making money. God would not own .■work of that sort. He thought that the spiritual condition of the church wa3 good. He exhorted them to receive his successor Vith joy, and by all means try to do nothing to Kiscourage him. In Baying farewell he had to jxbank all who had stood so nobly by him, rendering fcim every assistance in their power.— (Applause.) Mr J. T. Burrell then sang'the solo " Consider the lilies, 1 ' Misses Manuel and Uren the duet " Life'B dream is o'er, farewell," Misa Manuel the solo "The last milestone." The Chairman, in speaking of Mr Featherstone's services dnring the past three years, said he had done his work uably, jhaving but the one great motto —the extension of Christfs Kingdom. , He had all along shown hira"self to be most unselfish, and he left the church inR good spiritual condition. " He trusted that in his ,pew sphere of labour he might be the cause of doing much good. They were sorry to lose him, and bad they consulted their own feelings they would have him to remain •, but be hoped that in •the Dear future they might have him again with them. Mr J. T. Burrell, on behalf of the church, expressed his sincere thanks for the kympathy that had been tendered to them that evening, and they heartily wished Mr Featherstone God-spued In his new field. After the usual votes of thanks, und the singing of " God be with you till we meet figain," the Rev. A. Begg pronounced the benediction. It may be stated that tbe vocal part of the proceedings was rather above the average, and great praise is due to Misses Manuel and Uren, of Coal Creek, and to Messrs Murray, of Wairuua, Jfor the assistance they gave. On the following flay a picnic was given the Sunday school children in Mrs Bellamy's paddock, and all present seemed : to enjoy themselves thoroughly, the teachers doing everything in their power to ensure the amusement of ttfe children.