NIGHTCAPS NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22730, 5 November 1935, Page 5

NIGHTCAPS NOTES

VALEDICTORY. (From Our Correspondent.) On Saturday evening the congregation of the Nightcaps Presbyterian Church met and farewelled the Rev. Russell Spence, M.A. Mr Spence recently completed his training course and has been appointed to the charge of Matawhiro, North Island. The Rev. E. B. Stevenson presided and there was a splendid attendance of members of the congregation.

Mr Stevenson at the outset of his remarks said he was very pleased to be present that evening. He had known the Rev. Russell Spence throughout the whole of his university course and was proud to acknowledge his success. He wished Mr Spence every success in his Christian ministry and in his charge of Matawhiro, where the people have

practically waited two years until Mr Spence’s > training was completed. Mr Peter Grant said he had been personally interested in and connected with Mr Spence since the latter’s boyhood. He felt sure that Mr Spence would be very successful in his calling. Mr R. Donnelly said that the congregation was proud that Mr Spence had completed his training. He had creditably filled the vacancies at Nightcaps on many occasions and his career would be followed with interest. Mr Peter Sinclair endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks and said he was pleased to hear Mr Spence had passed his academic training with such credit and that his work in Poverty Bay would also be a credit to him. Mr W. J. A. McGregor said he was pleased to be associated with the function that evening. He asked Mr Spence to accept from the Nightcaps congregation and well-wishers an envelope of notes. It was hoped this token would be a nucleus for Mr Spence’s library fund. Mr McGregor outlined Mr Spence’s early training which he (Mr McGregor) had followed with interest. His ultimate success reflected great credit on Mr Spence. Mr McGregor reiterated his pleasure in making the presentation and wished Mr Spence every success in his important mission in life and the church.

Mr Spence in responding paid great tribute to his home life, his Sunday school training and early life in Nightcaps. Mr Spence stressed the importance of the sound teaching of young children and the need of Bible knowledge. The principles and doctrines of the church were great, said Mr Spence. He sincerely thanked the people for their kindly remarks and good wishes and would ever remember the Nightcaps people and district; to them he owed so much and trusted he would be worthy of-their trust. A farewell function attended with warm feelings and good wishes closed with supper and the Benediction.

During the evening items were given by Miss Rita Grant (solo), Miss Mavis Brown (recitation), Miss Betty Latta

(solo), Mrs J. Grant (solo), Mrs Burgess and Mrs J. B. McLeod (duet), Miss Gladys Irwin (recitation), Miss Flora Spence (solo), Miss Lily Dockerty (solo). Salvation Army. Next week Commissioner Adams, head of the Salvation Army organization for New Zealand is to make his initial visit to Nightcaps. The Commissioner will be accompanied by Mrs Adams and Lieutenant-Colonel Scotney, secretary, and Lieutenant-Colonel Burton, field secretary for New Zea- ' land.

During their stay in the district the party will be the guests of Mr and Mrs W. J. A. McGregor at Mt. Linton and are scheduled to leave for Queenstown on Thursday morning.