SOCIAL AT TE RAHU.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1397, 26 May 1923, Page 4

SOCIAL AT TE RAHU.

FAREWELL TO REV. A. M. NI, BLOCK. > A farewell social to the Rev. A. M. Niblock, who has been vicar of St. John’s Church for about, three yeans past, and to Mrs Niblock was given by the Te Rahu settlers last night, when about a hundred persons assembled in the Te Rahu school. Beside the residents of Te Ra'hu, there were also present visitors from the surrounding districts of Kihikihi, Paterang’i. anil Hairini. The evening was most pleasantly spent, a programme of dancing, games, and cards providing full opportunity for social reunion. Songs by Mrs E. McCabe and Miss A. Garland and recitations by Miss Innes Jones were given and deserved y appreciated. It was in every respect a pleasant social function and fittingly fare welted the guests, who are iso highly esteemed throughout the district. Some amusement was caused by the holding of a bean guessing competition, which was won by Mr R. J. Bourne and Miss Burchell. The former guessed 160 (the actual number) and the latter 161, there being a tie in the ladies’ section of the competition and a draw to adjudicate the winner. Another game ended in a box of chocolates being won by Airs Niblock, much to the delight of the assembly. Supper was dispensed by the ladies of the district, and the hospitality extended was the subject of much favourable comment. During the progress of the evening Mr C. North, on behalf of the settlers, presented a travelling rug to Air Niblock and an attache case to Airs Niblock. In making the presentation the speaker alluded to the work done by their guest, not merely as vicar, but as a citizen also, during his residence in Te Awamutu. His able ministry ■in the church, often in the face of difficulties, and his activities throughout the district had endeared him to many who deeply regretted his departure. They were glad to observe, however, that Air Niblock’s health was improving,iand wished him every success in his future sphere. These remarks were supplemented by Alessrs L. Wallis and R. I. Fox, wardens of the church, who referred to the problems which had often confronted their vicar and his able mastery of D'ose problems. In acknowledgment Air Niblock thanked the gathering for its manifestation of goodwill. There were times' when his 'neaitli was tailing when lie was apt to despair, but he was glad to face a. brighter prospect now that his health had improved. Their expression of goodwill was encouraging indeed, and he deeply valued all that had been said. He would recall with pleasure the memory of many good friends in le Awamutu and its surroundings, not the least of which would he the recollection of Te Rahu and its kind hospitality. Perhaps, he hinted, he would have valued some similar manitestafion of goodwill from Te Awamutu itself. Air Niblock made many valued suggestions for the future welfare of the church, and appealed to the parishioners to loyally support their vicar in the large and difficult parish under his care. At the close of the evening the time of the guests was occupied for fully an hour in saying farewell to the ueople. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne” concluded what had proved a most pleasant social function, which will long he remembered by all. A tribute is due to Air and Mrs C. North, the promoters, and the many settlers who co-operated in making the function so successful and enjoyable—a; fitting farewell to popular guests.