ALL SAINTS' CHURCH

Otago Witness, Issue 3426, 11 November 1919, Page 24

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH

PRESENTATIONS TO DEAN

FITCHETT

Tho annual social of the parishioners of All Saints'was held in the schoolroom on tho 4th. Special interest attached to the gathering from the fact that opportunity was taken of the occasion to say farewell to the Very Rev. Dean Fitchett, vicar of the parish, who is leaving in about three weeks' time on a visit to England. The Dean is following this course upon medical advice, and, in company with Mrs Fitchett, ;hs expects to be absent from the dominion" for about 12 months. The schoolroom"; was crowded with parishioners, who assembled in strong force to show their esteem arid* affection for a vicar that has carried out his duties with distinction and acceptance over the long period of over 40 years. The Dean and Mrs Fitchett intend; to travel Home by the steamer Argyllshire, "Which is expected to leave Wellington about the 20th inst. The Rev. F. V. Fisher presided over a gathering which was marked by unostentatious but genuine good feeling. Early in the evening the Dean addressed the gathering. . The duty of making a presentation to the guest of the evening was entrusted to Mr S. T. Mirams (people's churchwarden), who said tho vestry and the parishioners could not allow tho Dean and Mrs Fitchett to go away without some tangible expression of the love and affection with which they were regarded. Some time ago, when the Dean had completed 40 years' service at All Saints, it had been desired to make him a presentation, but he had preferred otherwise on that occasion. However, the people were not to be denied this time, and on behalf of the parishioners and vestry he had much pleasure in handing their guest two travelling rugs, which would no doubt prove of service during the voyage. Two deck chairs, furnished with eiderdown cushions, would also be sent down to the Argyllshire to add to their personal cora,fort. Mr Mirams also read a letter of 'goodwill signed by several of the oldest parishioners, and concluded by wishing both the Dean and Mrs Fitchett an enjoyable and restful trip and a safe return home.— (Loud applause.) The Dean replied very briefly, heartily thanking! the parishioners for their gifts.