FAREWELL TO REV. C. A. FRAER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 5

FAREWELL TO REV. C. A. FRAER.

Tuahiwi'fl Maoris will long remember Boxing Day, 1917, it being the occasion of their farewell to the Rev. O. A. Fraer and family, after a continuous service in th<r district of over 14- years. After an afternoon spent in sports, Mr S. Rujjene took charge of the evening meeting, and spoke in glowing terms of the noble work and self-sacrifice-of the Fraer family in their endeavour to uplift the Maori morally, physically, and spiritually. Similar sentiments were also expressed bv other residents. Maori and European. The presentation list comprised a purse of sovereigns to Mr Fraer from the residents, and a number of handsome presents to Mrs Fraer and the Misses Rangi and Rinia Fraer, the latter receiving a valuablo greenstone tiki. Mr and Mrs Fraer, in the course of very touching replies, paid tributes to the many sterling qualities of the Maoris, and expressed regret at having to sever their connection with Tuahiwi. Supper and a dance concluded the evening's festivities. The Rev. Mr Fraer was one of the first students entered at Selwyn College, and was ordained at Holy Innocents, Leith Valley, 22 years ago, completing his uriesthood at St.-Paula Cathedral shortlv afterwards. After being fully ordained he went to St. Michaels, Christchurch. and was curate- to the Rev. Mr Averill. the present Bishop of Auckland. Subsequently lie was appointed vicar of Waikouaiti and Palmerston, where he did good work. He was appointed to Irs present charge from thoso districts. He has been for the last 14 years at Tuahiwi, and now goes to Phillipstown, adjoining St. Michael's.