A FAREWELL SOCIAL.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5361, 19 February 1916, Page 5

A FAREWELL SOCIAL.

TO REV. AND MRS HARRIS. Thfe Presbyterian Sunday aohooljooin was packed last evening when jeembers of the Presbyterian congre-j-fl.fioti in the Pahiatua district and fiends assembled to bid farewell to the Rev. and Mrs M. Bawden Harris, who are leaving shortly for Levin. [An enjoyable musical programme was Arranged, and the gathering throughout was of a very enthusiastic nature. Mr Peter Thomson, on behalf off the town and country congregations, jnade a presentation to the Rem and

Mrs Harris, He stated that general regret had been expressed throughout the district when it became known that the guests had decided to go to Levin. Mr Harris had done right well his share of the church work in Pahiatua, and lie thought it would be a hard job to fill his place in the Pahiatua pulpit. He hoped the condo all in their power to get together during the time that elapsed before another clergyman was appointed to the charge. Mr Thomson said Mr Harris had made many friends in town and country. Some of his sermons had been an intellectual treat, especially since the outbreak of war. Outside the church he Lad many friends. and he instanced the enthusiastic manner in which he had assisted the Bowling Club. The Pahiatua people would be very lucky if they got a man as good or nearly as good to fill Mr Harris’ position. He then presented Mr and Mrs Harris with a cheque, from the members ami adherents of tlie church. He trusted the guests would be very successful in their new sphere, assuring them that they would carry with them the best wishes of the Pahiatua people for their future welfare. (A pplause.) Mr C. Holdaway (Ballance), and Mr T. Bacon endorsed the remarks of Mr Thomson, the latter stating that the meetings held by the management at which Mr Harris had attended, had been .conducted without a “ruffle.” The Rev. Harris, in an earnest and lengthy reply, returned thanks for the honour done to Mrs Harr's and himself. It was one of the most paint ful meetings he had had to attend. His feelings were very mixed, but in going to Levin he would continue to carry on the work of God; he was onK transferring to another district. In preaching he had always endeavoured to study his sermons end to gve tlie audience the best possible, whether a large or small **>ngregat:on. He reviewed the Pahiatua church during his term of nearly four years, and remarked that when he took over the charge, the church was assisted front the Wellington centre, whereas at the present time it was an unassisted charge. For this change he expressed gratitude for tlie hearty manner in which the Pahiatua people had rallied round during hi-, first year or office. He could say. without the lea-t flattery, that Mrs Harris and himself had spent a very enjoyable time in Pahiatua. He paid a meisl of praise to Mrs Harris for the manner m which she had helper! him. (Applause). It was a grand tiling tor a clergyman to have a wife who took » keen interest in her husband’s work, and .Mrs Harris had given hint great assistance. (Applause.) The church manager- had worked pleasantly together. He trusted that tlie congregation would keep together until the new clergyman was appointed and thus show that the church was alive and well organised. He would be pleased to come hack and preach in the church on any occasion he was asked. He again thanked the congregation ifor the kindness which prompted their action that evening. Items were contributed a follow : (bongs. Miss Jones (Waipukurau). Mr- Harford. Miss Parker. Miss Haliburton, Messrs Peter Thomson, H. Mills and F. G. M oore; reeitat ons. Rill Williams, Val Martin and Tommie Bacon. The accompaniments were played by Miss Allen, and the piano was kindly lent by the local brareh of the Bristol Piano Company. _Mr T. Bacon acted as chairman of the gathering. Refreshments were handed round before the gathering terminated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”