TAKAKA.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13775, 16 July 1913, Page 2 (Supplement)

TAKAKA.

FAREWELL TO RF/V. G. A. CItOSSMAN.

(From 'The Colonist," July 7.)

The Rev. G. A. Grossman, who has filled the position of Anglican minister here for several years, was tendered a farewell social last evening. Since his arrival Mr Grossman has at all times proved himself a very active and zealous minister of tho gospel, and by his many good qualities he had made a, host of friends and admirers. Never before have we had a minister who could get over the ground like Mr Crossman has. and during his stay here he has travelled many thousands of miles by horse, push-bicycle, and motor cycle, to hold services or visit the sick, etc. No weather or _ road conditions ever daunted him in the following up of his .duties, and, being a man of many parts, it was no infroquent thing in out of the way places to conduct the services, lead, the singing, and often provide the music as well if a piano, harmonium, or even a violin could be found for him to play. In addition Mr Grossman identified himself with the local volunteer corps, and when he could find time proved himself no mean shot with the rifle in several competitions at the range. Mr Grossman was also a keen tennis player, and his familiar figure will be much missed from tho local courts. Needless to say, the notification that Mr Grossman would be soow leaving the district was received, with universal expressions of regret, and tho representative crowd that assembled at the hall last evening to bid him farewell was a fair indication ci his popularity. The social was taken charge of by the men folk this time for a change, and the whole proceedings did them great credit. The hall was well filled, the concert programme v/ent off remarkably well, and tho supper (provided of course by the ladies) was managed entirely by the men. The chair was taken by Mr Strudwick, of Tarakohe, a gentleman who' has greatly assisted Mr* Crossxnan with his church work in many ways since his arrival here. On the platform wero also the Rev J. D. McFarlano (Presbyterian minister), Mr Charles Pago, minister's warden to Mr Grossman, and Mr Grossman himself. At tho conclusion of the short but very pleasant musical programme, Mr Strudwick road- an address of farewell from the parishioners of the Church of the Epiphany, and Mr Page then handed to Mr Grossman a very handsome travelling rug and a purse of sovereigns. The Roy Mr McFarlane spoko in great praiso of tho departing guest, and alluded to the very cordial relations that had at all times existed between the two, and concluded with the statement -thiit ho felt sure Mr "Grossman would prove the right sort of man for the work ho was about to take up at Brunncrton. Mr James Relily also spoke a f«w words, as knowing Mr Grossman, tor a real good fellow outsido the church. and Mr Strudwick added words to^ a very hearty and impressive send-off. Mr Grossman thanked one and all for the very hearty vote of approval accorded him, which, he said, affected him.tho more as he feared he had not been altogether a success in"Takaka Ho regretted exceedingly tiiat thy church services had not been better attended than they were, and thanked all those whose regular attendance at the church had buoyed him up and kept things together. At tho concision of the speech the entire audience rose, and sarsg "For Bo's a Jolly Good Fellow," finishing up with three ring- | ing cheers. , It is not known who is to be our next minister, but the opinion is expressed on all sides lhat if he proves as good a man as Mr Grossman, lakaka should l>o well satisfied.