OPUNAKE NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1929, Page 8

OPUNAKE NEWS.

FAREWELL TO MINISTER.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

On Thursday evening the Town Hall i was the scene of a large gathering, when the Anglican congregation and I friends of the Rev. D. J. Davies and Mrs, jDavies assented to bid them farewell, lhe evening was passed in dancing, games and items by the following: Mrs. Hutton (song), the Rev. D. J. Davies (song), Miss Eliiott (recitation), Mrs. T. N. Watt (violin solo), Miss Nellie Perry (recitation). Mr. Davies played the accompaniments. The music for the dancing was played by Mrs. H. J. Newman and Messrs. J. Humphries and C. Urbahn, Mrs. Davies was presented with a bouquet. Mr. Hutton said it was a pleasing sight to see such a large numer present, not only memers of St. Barnabas’ parish, but those of other denominations as well. This showed that during their two.years’ residence Mr. and Mrs. Davies had won the esteem of the whole community. > Mr. Davies’ health had not been good, and he had found the work of the . parish too strenuous. He-expressed the hope that in the climate of -Greytown Mr. Davies would speedly recover his health. Mr. Hutton asked Mr. Davies to accept a wallet as a parting gift from his congregation. Mr. Davies said it was with mixed feelings that he met his friends. He expressed gratitude for the loyal support they had given himself and his wife in church work. While it was very pleasant to know their work had been appreciated it was equally painful to have to say good-bye. He asked them to remember being the vicar of a parish was very different to being a curate, and as this was his first charge he hoped they would blame his mistakes to his over-anxiety to do his duty. He especially thanked Messrs. Hutton and Chambers and Mrs. H. J. Newman (organist), the vestry men and churchwardens, the Ladies’ Guild, choir, and Sunday school teachers for their help in church affairs, and asked the church people to be loyal to their new vicar. Air. Chambers said that in losing Mr. and Airs. Davies they were losing not only their vicar but their friends, and as such they would be keenly missed. He then, on behalf of the Ladies’ Guild, presented Airs. Davies with a neatly-fitted handbag as a memento of the good times they had shared together. Mr. Davies thanked the ladies on behalf of his' wife. The Rev. Coatsworth, on behalf of the Methodist Church and on his own behalf, hoped that the change of climate would result in Air. Davies’ health being restored, and wished him success in his career in the church. He stressed the good feeling existing between Air Davies and other churches and the friendliness of their associations.

The Rev. Wheatly said he was greatly honoured to represent the Presbyterian Church. Although he had known Mr. Davies only for a few months he looked on him as a friend.

After supper had been served all present joined in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” On Sunday morning at Sunday school Mrs. Davies was the recipient of a mirror from the teachers and pupils, Gloria Humphreys making the presentation.

Tho Anglican Ladies’ Guild on Monday held their fortnightly euchre party. Mrs. Davies and Aliss Lewis were the hostesses. The prizes were won by. Mrs. J. Parsons and Air. J. Judson. Supper was provided by the ladies. , 1 The committee of the Girl Guide Association were the hostesses at a flag bridge evening in the Waratah tea room? on Tuesday evening. A very pleasant time was spent, the prize-winners being Miss D. Brown 1, Aliss Lewis 2, and Miss N. Fearer 3. Supper was dispensed by the members of the committee.

The complimentary dance to the ladies’ committee of the recent military ball at Oaonui took place on Wednesday night at the Oaonui Hall. Coburn’s orchestra supplied the music and Air Brooker played extras. Air. W. Rae was an efficient M.C. Supper was provided and attended to by a committee of young men. streamers of black and gold made pleasing decorations in the hall.