PRESENTATION TO THE REV. J. A. ROGERS.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14130, 5 July 1916, Page 4

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. J. A. ROGERS.

A very large number of friends arid parishioners of All Saints' Churen assembled m the schoolroom last night to welcome the \icaiy the Rev. J. A. Rogers, and Mrs Rogers •on their return from their wedding tour. The former vicar, the Rev. W. S. Lucas, was in the chair. Mrs Sadher sent an apology owing to indisposition, and the Re/. A. J. Carr also tpologised for his inability to attend.

Bishop Mules said he was happy to speak, as he had many recollections of All Saints' Church. He remembered when the servico was held in tho old Oddfellows' Hall over 40 years ago. Mr Thorpe; used to have a monthly meeting, which he (tho Bishop) attended. Mr Drew also attended, and Mr Hunter-Brown was another 'attendant. They had met that night to welcome the Rev. Mr and Mrs Rogers, and to show their interest in their future welfare.

The Rev. Mr Lucas spoke of lis pleasant recollections of All Saints', and said he would be pleased to render it any service that lay in his power. He liad thought their vicar should be a married man, but that matter had been soon .happily settled. He referred to Mr RogeiVs excellent qualifications for his position, and heartily wished him and his w:fe every happiness. The Rev. Dr. Weeks conveyed the good wishes of the Cathedral people to Mr and Mrs Rogers ,for their future prosperity.

Mr G. A. Harkness (vicar's warden) and Mr W. A. Andrews (on behalf of the vestry) extended a warm welcome to the guests of the evening. Ma- A. E. Cress well (people's warden) added his good wishes, and, on behalf of the parishioners, presented tv Mr and Mrs Roger* a very handsome solid silver tea service. A suitable inscription was engraved on the tray, ar:d the recipients' monogram on the teapot, sugar basin, and cream jug. Miss Buchanan then presented Mr and Mrs Rogers with a clock from the Girls' Friendly Society. The Rev. Mr Rogers, in responding, said it was impossible for him to thank them sufficiently for their kind presents to Mrs Rogers and himself. On behalf of his wife he desired to thank them for the many kind things they had said about her. Amongst All Saints' parishiff"? Vr> h"d mnny fr|oi>f].s, mid ihnt night he appreciatod thuur mom than ever.

After the singing of the hymn, ."All people that on .earth do dwell," refreshments were served. •

The Rev. Mr. Lucas said that Mr A. E Hedges was leaving for the front very shortly, and it was only right that they should all wish him God-speed. Mr Cresswell moved, "That this meeting of the parishioners- "of All Saints' Church tender to M.- A. E. Hedges their best wishes for the- future, and for a safe ?.nO. happy return from the seat of war." • Mr Harkn^ss seconded the motion, which was carried with acclamation.

T!ie hall was most tastefully decorated by tlie ladies and the verger, and great credit is duo to the ladies for providuig baskets, and special thanks are due to Mrs Giblin for valuable assistfUiCß in the managomont of the vefreshmeno department." Prior t-o the meeting the bellringers paid the vicar the compliment of ringing a special peal en the chimes. The meeting olosed with the singing o f ilip National \nthem.