PRESBYTERIAN WELCOME

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17409, 6 November 1930, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN WELCOME

REV. &MRS AITKEN RETURN MANY INTERESTING TRAVELS Returning to Gisborne after visiting Scotland, (heir homo country', England, and the Continent, the Rev. Jus. Ail ken, M.A„ and Mrs. Ait ken were given an enthusiastic welcome illy parishioners of Sr. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church last evening, when a very pleasant and highly successful soe.il was held in their honor. Mr. F. Foote, directed the proceedings, which were brought lo a dose with a delightful supper, prepared by the ladies. The various speakers made their remarks as brief as possible, while a number of vocal numbers and competitions added to the, enjoyment of the evening. Speaking first, Mr. G. T. Bull said lie considered the gathering alone was sufficient proof of their welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Aitken. Both were greatly missed during their long tour abroad, and members of the church and congregation were glad to have them back again.

Representing the session, Mr. P. A. Clark expressed pleasure at the safe return of Mr. and Mrs. Aitken. He referred to the able and loyal manner in which the Rev. J. 8. Murray had carried on the work of Sr. Andrew’s during their absence. They would see some changes in the congregation, a number of young men and young women having joined the fellowship of Bt. Andrew’s since their departure earlv this year.

Air. Clark went on to say that the letters forwarded by Mr. Aitken during his travels for publication in the children’s monthly magazine had been greatly appreciated by the younger folk, and some of the adults had found the contents very interesting. GERMANY'’S GLORIOUS .GARDENS The Rev. W. J. Elliott, endorsing the previous speakers’ remarks, extended to Mr. and Mrs. Aitken a warm welcome, on behalf' of the Methodist Church, and expressed a wish that their future would be a very successful and happy one. In his opening remarks, Mr. Aitken said both lie and Airs. Aitken deeply appreciated the wonderful welcome and the many kindnesses extended to them on returning to Gisborne. He had not many more years of active service here, but lie hoped to spend that short time among the parishioners of St. Andrew’s. Touching on the voyage to England, Mr. Aitken said the vessel encountered storm after storm, and he mentioned one day as being really impressive. On that occasion mountainous waves broke over the bows and sides of the liner, resulting in the passengers being confined to their cabins. Continuing, he remarked on the beauty of the early spring in England, and described Paris as a most fascinating city. Tile tour included a small portion of Germany, the places visited there being full of interest, and ill the beginning of spring the quaint old towns presented attractive scenes with their glorious gardens and magnificent forest-clad hills. “Wc arrived in Scotland just in time for tho opening of the General Assemblv of the Church of Scotland,” added Mr. Aitken.- “That was early in 'May, and it was springtime there also.” He went on to speak about the various places they visited, recalling numerous happenings that proved extremely interesting to the audience. Songs were sung by Misses A. Thomson amt M. Allah, and Messrs. Benson and Morton, while Miss M. Mill'd)? gave two humorous recitations. Mr. L. Thomson played the accompaniments.