VALEDICTORY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12085, 24 June 1920, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

MISSS MAUDE WINCHCOMBE. A complimantsry social was tendered on Tuesday evening by the members and adherents of Marfcon Methodist Church to Miss Winohcombe, who, for sis years, has been Church organist, and who is about to leave for Invercargiil to enter the nursing profession. Miss Winchcombe's popularity was shown by the large number of friends who assembled to honour her —the frail adjoining the church being crowded. The hall had been tastefully decorated for the occasion, long festoons of flowers and greenery extending from end to end and side to side of the bnilding, and caught up in the centre, with Chinese lanterns dotted here and there, the whole making a most delightful scene. The proceedings opened with the National Anthem, after winch the Rev H. T. Peat welcomed the guest of the evening and also the peo]ile. The following programme was rendered—Monologue, Miss Roberts: recitation, Miss S Robinson; songs, Misses Howard and E. Beard and Mr W. Withell. Happy and eulogistle speeches on behalf of the different ohnruh organisations ware given by Mr Withell, trustees and other officials; Mr McJarrbw, Lav Preacher ; Mr Beard choir; Miss Beard, Sunday school ; Miss Euoens, Girla' Club and Christian Endeavour; and br the Rev H. T. Peat on behalf of the whole church.

All the speakers referred in glowing terms to the splendid work performed by Miss Wiuohcombe, who, by her charming manner, her con-. sistency and devotion to dutv, had endeared herself to the whole community and especially church, which she had served so ci'serfully aud so well. The Rev Peat especially stressed the fact that the guest of tho evening, by her ladylike character aud the noble trend of her life, had demonstrated once more that a Christian home is the nation's greatest asset, for in such a homo foundations of character are well and truly laid, bo tbat when tho members of such a liume touchedthe community, the life of the people was enriched and ssveetened. The knowledge that this was so would be a source of groat joy to Mr and Mrs Winchcombe, who had every reason to be proud of the splendid, character borne and tho excellent influence wielded by their daughter. In entering the nursing profession Miss Winchcombe would bo able to bring cheer and relief to many in distress and this carry on her Christian work. Mr Peat then said that if their guest should find that her new duties were too arduous for her strength, she was at once to return to her home and friends in Marton who would gladly arrange a welcome scoial in her honour. Addressing Miss Winchcombe the speaker said that he knew she hod given ;her services freely without thought of reward, and in that spirit her services were accepted, nevertheless the Church people wished her to have some tangible token of their esteem and appreciation. He then asked Miss E Beard to present on behslf of the choir a dainty gold jewelled pendant, and also called upon Mrs J B Barriugton to present on behalf of the congregation a lovely silver jewel case, and a beautiful gold bracelet studded with jewels. Miss Winchcombe gracefully acknowledged the gifts, and then her father rose and thanked the people for what thoy had said and done. The audience sang "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow, " after which all partook of a splendid supper. After social intercourse and games the gathering terminated with "Auld Lang Syne." Miss Wicchcomhe leaves foi Invercargiil on this afternoon.