WAIWERA NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22055, 30 June 1933, Page 3

WAIWERA NOTES

THE REV. J. M. THOMSON FAREWELLED. (From Our Correspondent.) The Rev. J. M. Thomson, M.A., who is being transferred from the Wai-wera-Kaihiku charge to Tuatapere, was with his wife and daughter tendered a farewell social by the township congregation at Waiwera on Friday, 23rd inst. Mr George Neale, elder of the congregation, presided over a large and enthusiastic gathering. The choir of young people gave a spirited and effective rendering of sacred music and the little children contributed a number of pieces very sweetly. Mr Angus McCallum conveyed to Mr and Mrs Thomson the congregation’s very deep regret at their departure and their deep gratitude for the good and faithful work done by them, and in token of their goodwill and good wishes he handed Mr Thompson an envelop containing what proved to be a substantial cheque. The Christian Endeavour Society also, through Mr A. Neale, made a presentation to Miss Thomson as a token of the esteem and good wishes of her fellow-members. Mr George Neale further supplemented th6se remarks and testified to his and the congregation’s deep feeling of goodwill toward the minister and his family and stated they would always be glad to see them back amongst them. Mr Thomson thanked the congregation for the high honour they had done to himself and family in the function of that evening and stated that the amount of the cheque, which was altogether unknown to him was immaterial. It was the fine spirit behind the gift that mattered, and for this he tendered them warmest thanks on behalf of Mrs Thomson and himself. They had-indeed appreciated the fine programme of gospel music rendered that evening by the young people and the children of the congregation. It had been a great joy and pride to him to be minister over such a hearty, united and loyal band of young men and women in the Waiwera township. He thanked them all for their encouraging and loyal support throughout his ministry, and, on behalf of his daughter, he thanked the Endeavour members for their token of kindness and friendship. The proceedings which were exceedingly hearty throughout were concluded after supper had been handed round by the singing of the farewell hymn together and the pronouncing of the Benediction by the minister. Mr Thomson, with his family, is proceeding through to Tuatapere this week and begins his ministry there on Sunday, July 2.