VALEDICTORY

Southland Times, Issue 21361, 6 April 1931, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

REV. M. AYRTON FARE- J WELLED. FUNCTION AT ?LUFF. , ' (From Our Correspondent.) There was a large gathering in the Methodist Church at Bluif one evening last week when members of the congregation and friends of other denominations met to farewell the Rev. Moses and Mrs Ayrton and family. Mr G. R. George presided. A capital programme of vocal and instrumental items was given, particularly pleasing among the latter being the trio music contributed by Miss Mabel McKenzie (organ), Miss Lily Hunter (violin) and Miss Grace Johnston (piano). Throughout the concert the items were of a high standard, each meriting the hearty applause bestowed by those present. Others contributing were: Mrs Creagh and Mr G. R. George (vocal ducts), Mrs J. Dawson, Miss Irene Johnston and Mr A. E. Budd (solos), Mrs T. Stewart and Mrs W. Grant (pianoforte duets). The accompaniments were played by Mrs T. Stewart and Miss G. Johnston.

Mr G. R. George, in presenting Mr Ayrton with a barometer on behalf of the congregation, mentioneel that Mrs Ayrton and the Misses A. and H. Ayrton had already been handed parting gifts by the ladies of the Church. Mr George then spoke of their guest’s rare gifts as a preacher and thinker. Another quality possessed by Mr Ayrton was a deep spirituality which impressed his friends on- every occasion. Knowing him, one could easily understand why he had such an influence for good amongst the children. This trait in Mr Ayrton’s character was especially important, because the conduct of the Young Workers’ League was part of his work, and his teaching and example must have far-reaching results in the future behaviour of the children. They were losing a well-loved pastor who had faithfully carried out his duties to the church and congregation, but the benefit of Mr Ayrton's labours in this parish would remain. Mr George also presented Master Alfie Ayrton with a monetary gift, asking him to purchase something by which to remember his friends in Bluff. The Rev.S. Waddell, of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, said that he had known Mr and Mrs Ayrton for three years, and he could say sincerely that he held them in the highest esteem. In church work he had been intimately associated with Mr Ayrton, and he (Mr Waddell) felt a great admiration for his friend's fine grasp and working knowledge of the Bible. Mr Ayrton was a widely read man, with a rich library and a rich mind. Another, and estimable, side of his character was his love for his fellows, his brotherhood —as evidenced in the interest he always took in the welfare of his people. He had proved very helpful also in the Ministers’ Association. The speaker wished Mr and Mrs Ayrton and family every blessing in their new sphere of labour.

Mr A. P. McDonald said he had known Mr and Mrs Ayrton for six years, and from the first he had felt a deep regard for'them. Mr Ayrton was a man of many parts, with a scholarly, analytical mind. He could think through a problem and give his congregation the benefit of his conclusions. All had learned to love him for his genial nature. This was a great gift—especially in visiting the sick, who were always cheered by Mr Ayrton’s kindness and encouragement. He hoped their guest would long be spared to inspire and guide others and so carry on the work he was so nobly doing. Mr McDonald also paid a tribute to Master Ayrton as a manly and upright boy.

The Rev. 'W. W. Ewart said he felt honoured by the opportunity to emphasize his regard for their guests. It was a privilege to know them and to share their friendship, a friendship based on love for their fellow men. While the ministers present worshipped in different churches, all were working in the one cause; and those who knew Mr Ayrton best were deeply aware how earnestly their friend laboured in that great cause. He (the speaker) felt that the Ayrton family would be a power for good in their new sphere of activity, and he was sure they would have the prayers of their Bluff parishioners and friends. On behalf of the Ministers’ Association, Mr Ewart presented an Eversharp pencil to Mr Ayrton. Mr Ayrton, on rising to reply, was greeted with prolonged applause. The various speakers had placed him on a high pedestal, he said, and one that would take some living up to. He thanked them all for their gifts and their kind words concerning the qualities of Mrs Ayrton, their family ' and himself. It was very' gratifying to hear the remarks of the chairman, who was in a position to judge the work accomplished in the parish. Sometimes he felt he had not totally succeeded in the tasks he set himself, yet he sincerely believed he had a call to the ministry, and this belief had remained with him throughout. He loved and valued his work. It was many-sided, and in it one saw life from every angle. Church work was exacting and arduous, requiring the full strength and energy of ministers, but it was the highest calling in mankind’s labours. Personally', he had had a wide experience of parishes, having been in bush, : mining, port and other towns in the north and south. His three years in Bluff had been made very happy by the harmonious relations existing among all. Never once had there been a jarring note. They were in the pleasant position of having no debts of any kind—chiefly through the good work of the ladies. He could say emphatically that in his experience throughout New Zealand he had never seen elsewhere such devotion to church work as that displayed by the ladies of Southland. Fie was proud to have laboured among such people. He wished to say in regard to the Ministers’ Association that the other clergymen had been good and true friends to him. He felt deeply' the kindness of the Bluff people to his folks and himself, and he assured those present the memories of the friendships formed in the parish would remain as precious things. Mr Ayrton asked the congregation to give their prayers, sympathy and guidance to his successor, the Rev. Athol Penn, who would soon be with them, and as a parting message urged them all to keep an unwavering faith in God and cleave to the things that really matter.