A POPULAR CURATE

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2588, 24 August 1922, Page 4

A POPULAR CURATE

GOOD-BYE TO REV. AND MRS TURNER HANDSOME PRESENTATION When it was known that the Rev. C. W. Turner, of the Cambridge parish, who is stationed at Ohaupo, was to remove to Taumarunui, very keen regret was expressed throughout the entire parish. During his stay here Mr Turner, by his sterling qualities, devotion to his duty, and good-fellowship, has won the love and esteem of all, and his departure is felt as a distinct loss to the entire district. On Monday night last a social gathering was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, to give the people an opportunity of bidding good-bye to Mr and Mrs Turner. There was a very full gathering, including visitors from Tamahcre and elsewhere. A concert programme was much enjoyed. Mrs Griffith Jones sang two songs with good taste, Mrs Boston Coupcr and Mr T. Boyce also each contributed two songs, all in excellent style, while the Rev. Turner, as usual, fairly “brought, down the house” with his inimitable humorous songs and items by “Claude.” The Rev. Jasper Calder told some amusing stories.

During the evening the Vicar (Rev. Mortimer Jones), in the course of a few appropriate and feeling remarks, alluded to the loss sustained by the parish through Mr Turner’s departure, and specially mentioned the loss he would personally feci. Mr Turner had been a colleague whose work had always been done faithfully and well. The Vicar said he felt'he was losing more than an assistant —a dear friend whom he had learned to admire and regard in terms of affection. Mr -Jones then handed to Mr Turner a dictionary of the Prayer Book. Mr' Walter Stopford (Vicar’s Warden) apologised for the absence of the People’s Warden (Mr W. J. Andrews) and also for Mr A. H. Gascoigne, who were both unavoidably prevented from attending. Mr Stopford said he voiced the feeling of the parishioners in the great loss to the parish through Mr Turner’s transfer. He referred to the faithful and inspiring work Mr Turner had done, and, with regard to Mrs Turner, specially mentioned the good work done by that lady in the Sunday school and Ladies’ Guild at Ohaupo. Mr Stopford wished their guests long life and happiness, and trusted that the presentations made would remind them of $ . their many friends they were leaving in Cambridge. Mr E. B. Cox (treasurer of the parish) spoke at some length in a very happy speech, alluding to the many good qualities of Mr Turner’s character, and in particular to the helpful side of his preaching. Mr Turner was always sure of a hearty welcome into the homes of the people, owing to the love they Lore for him. As an entertainer, also, Mr Turner possessed remarkable gifts which assisted to make him so popular. Mr Cox then presented Mr Turner with a two-volume dictionary of the Church, and to Mr and Mrs Turner a cheque for a substantial amount front. Cambridge and Tamahero friends, to help them furnish their new home at Taumarunui.

Mr Turner, on rising to reply, received an ovation, all standing to. sing “For They Arc Jolly Good Fellows.” In a speech full of feeling, intermingled with sparkling humour, he thanked all for the most generous gifts to himself and his wife. He spoke in affectionate terms of his association with the Vicar, the Vestry, and Ladies’ Guild, all of whom he sincerely thanked for their co-operation and all .their many kindnesses to himself and his wife during their three years’ work in the parish. Supper and the singing of ‘ ‘ Auld Lang .Syne” brought to a conclusion an evening that was remarkable for its warmth, of feeling.