STEWART ISLAND NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 22488, 24 January 1935, Page 12

STEWART ISLAND NEWS

FAREWELL SOCIAL. (From Our Correspondent.) A very enjoyable social was held on Moday evening by the parishioners of the St. Andrew’s Church of England to bid farewell to the Rev. and Mrs J. N. Goodman, who are leaving for Oamaru to take up duty after having spent four years in charge of the Stewart Island parish. There was a large attendance of the public and a most enjoyable evening was spent with games, competitions and dancing. Mr T. Bragg, vicar’s warden, said that during the last four years Mr Goodman had endeared himself to the people, both in the church and out. The island people would be sorry to lose him, but they realized that the move was being made for the benefit of himself and family. He concluded by referring to the work done by Mr Goodman in connection with the new hall and wished him and his family success in their new venture.

Mr Peters said that although all farewells have a tinge of sadness they must look on the bright side and be pleased to think that the move would very probably benefit the health of Mr Goodman and his children. Mr Peters drew attention to the splendid work done by Mr Goodman in connection with the building of the new parish hall. He started the job in the face of many serious obstacles and carried it through to a successful conclusion. Mr Turner said that all would be sorry to lose Mr Goodman, because he had done much good work during his foui years on the island. He referred to his excellent preaching and said that visitors from overseas had often remarked what a fine preacher was Mr Goodman.

Mi Goodman thanked everybody for the many kindnesses shown to himself and family during their stay on the island, and especially sifter the recent disastrous fire which destroyed the Vicarage and all his effects. He referred to the splendid gift by the parishioners of a Bible, Prayer Book and the set of volumes on the “Outline of Christianity.” Mr Goodman concluded' by giving a short address on his conception of Christianity. On behalf of his wife and family he thanked all present for their kind wishes.

Sweeping over three-quarters of an acre of land and only being halted after a strenuous fight by ten men, a grass fire of serious nature broke out on the property and endangered the residence of Mr B. E. Keiller, at Fitzherbert, on the outskirts of Palmerston North, late on Sunday afternoon. Aided by a fairly strong wind, the flames spread with rapidity and came within 30 yards of the house before being extinguished. Mr Keiller and nine others, using beaters and the town water supply—which was quite inadequate, as it was merely a trickle—fought hard from 4.30 o’clock and eventually succeeded in quelling the outbreak by 6 p.m. Three-quarters of an acre of valuable trees, hedges, and grassland was ruined by the fire. Mr Keiller said on Sunday evening that it was merely luck that the fire was stopped in time.