OPUNAKE NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 24 March 1932, Page 16

OPUNAKE NEWS

FUNCTIONS AT OPUNAKE.

WORK OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Rev. J. G. Wheatley, Mrs. Wheatley and family (Josephine, Nancy and Diana) were farewelled in the Parish Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a crowded attendance. Mr. J. S. T osland presided, and-Mr. W. Coxhead was master of ceremonies and Mr. Johnstone announcer. . / .

In making the presentations the chainman said their minister was advised by the presbytery to take the ,first opportunity of. effecting a change before the winter. Mr. Wheatley was leaving Opunake for a more suitable climate, the Napier district. During Mr. Wheatley’s charge of the Presbyterian Church he had worked hard for the church and earned the esteem of all. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley every success in their new sphere. Mrs. A. B. Coffin; the oldest member of the Ladies’ Guild, presented Mrs. Wheatley with a beautiful bouquet. In presenting Mrs. Wheatley with a . tea wagon on behalf of the Presbyterians the chairman said Mrs. Wheatley was well-known for her hospitality and entertainment. To Mr. Wheatley he presented a carpet and easy chair. To the three girls presents were also made. Mr. Farquhar, the senior elder, spoke on behalf of the Awatuna section of the parish. He had been associated with the Opunake Presbyterian Church since Its inception 24 years ago. During that time Awatuna had had a varied position. Presbytery in, its wisdom had a habit of cutting up the district. Awatuna had been changed to Kaponga, then for a period it was in “no man’s land.” Thence it was taken back to Opunake. Seeing the large number of young persons present he considered Opunake a good field for teachers. He told the young people not to be afraid of prayer. The Revs. Farnell (Anglican) and Roberts (Methodist) paid tributes to the kindly associated fellowship .that existed between them and. their departing. friends and wished them success and God speed. Mr. Wheatley thanked the speakers for their good wishes, and. the presents to his three children,. Mrs. Wheatley and himself. He was pleased, to see representatives from every congregation present. God and the earth were big enough for them all. He felt something like the minister who, being farewelled by' his congregation and the recipient of praise and presents, changed his mind, and said, ‘'You-think so much of me that I will remain.” However, that was not to be so. After his recovery from nine months’ illness, it was necessary for him to get away from the cold winter winds. They did have regrets in leaving many friends, but they were not going amongst total strangers. To those who had'helped him in carrying out his church work he was very thankful. To his. fellow mini-tors he w-as grateful for thejr kindness. The Ladies’ Guild he specially thanked. .. During the evening items were rendered by Mrs. Lithgow, Master R. Campbell, Mrs. y R. Malcolm and Mr. R. D. Games and competitions were held. In the latter Mrs. Marcroft was first and Mr. T. Hughson second. Supper was provided by the Ladies’ Guild. “Auld Lang Syne” concluded a pleasant evening. Miss Josephine Wheatley was presented by her associate students in Form 111. with a fountain pen to commemorate the happy friendship that ex-

isted between them as scholars at the High School. Miss Nancy was entertained by Mrs. Watt and her classmates at Mrs. Watt’s residence on Friday afternoon. Nancy presented with a nice autograph album and her younger sister, Diana, with a pretty necklace. The Rev. Fletcher has been appointed to the Opunake Presbyterian Church, in succession to the Rev. J. G. Wheatley. At the week-end four rinks of Kaponga bowlers played Opunake at Opunake. The latter won by 128 to 62.