VALEDICTORY SOIREE TO REV. F. LARKINS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9046, 2 April 1891, Page 3

VALEDICTORY SOIREE TO REV. F. LARKINS.

I On Wednesday evening, March 25, the j ladies of J3t. John the Baptist Church, Waitara. gave a farewell jsoiree to Rev. F. Larkins, who, after labouring there in conjunction with the Rev. F. T. Baker for some 14 months, was leaving to take charge of St. Lnke. and St. Jude's, Auckland. The hall was gay with bunting, ferns, and pictures ; the tables piled with flowers and good cheer. A numerous gathering assembled. The meeting afterwards was enthusiastic and veiy enjoyable. The music was of a high class. The instrumental part was rendered by the Waitara Musical Society. Several ladies gave solos and pianoforte pieces. Rev. F. T. Baker said that Mr Larkins was eminently a man of the pity, and while no one would miss his services more than himself, he was glad that his new sphere would involve a less demand upon him in the way of travelling. Mr Larkins, in thanking the meeting on his own behalf and for his daughter for their uniform kiudness, and for the great honor they had done him that evening, expressed the hope that some who were not as yet actively engaged would step forward to fill the gap caused by his absence. The humblest layman had a mission as truly as the Archbishop of Canterbury. Rev. H. H. Brown (Omata), Messrs Lawrence (senior churchwarden), Halcombe (lay reader), J.R. Clark (Wesleyan), and an officer of the Salvation Army, spoke of the good done by Mr and Miss Ldrkins, and wished them every success. I After refreshments had been passed round, the company sang a verse of "Auld Lang Syne " and God save the Queen ; and one of the most representative gatherings ever held \u Waitara dispersed after shaking hands with Mr and Miss Larking, and wishing them God speed. — Communicated.