SANDON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 82, 7 April 1934, Page 5

SANDON

FAREWELL SOCIAL The large number who attended at the Public Hall on Thursday evening! was ample testimony to the esteem m which Bev. B. S. .Johnson is held in (he district. In addition to Sandon friends, a number were present from Rongotea and Taikorea. Air. E. W. Tostevin, in opening the proceedings, said he hoped one and all would make the gatheuug a real social evening ami read a letter from Bev. A. N. Scotter expressing regret at being unable l" be present and wished all a happy lime. A short community sing loi lowed. Items contributed by Miss Phyllis Hill, Messrs. Walsh, AlcDoweli, Bond and Tostevin, interspersed with games, passed away a pleasant hour or so. At a convenient interval Mr. Tooteviu asked the guest of the evening (Air. Johnson), Rev. Fordyce and Air. 11. R. Masters, to take seats on the platform. Air. Tostevin said the even mg hud been ai ranged tu serve a dual purpose, firstly tu provide an opportunity t j say au revoir to Air. Johnson and io welcome to our midst the Rev. Fordyce and family. Addressing Air. Johnson, the speaker said he was sure that it was the sincere wish of a.! th:d at some future time he would again be with them and assured h in a warm welcome would await him He c.oiigr itur le i Mr. Johnson on the b. cccsa he had met with, particularly among the young people. The thanks of church, members was due to him for his efforts in leaving the circuit with a credit balance for his successor. In introducing Air. Fordyce, the speaker said he hoped their stay in the district would be a happy one. Air. H. R. Masters endorsed the remarks of Air. Tostevin and said that even the little children were sorry Air. Johnson was leaving them. On behalf of the many friends, Air. Alasters asked Air. Johnson to accept the consents of an envelope which c-irried with it the best wishes of all. Musical honours were accorded the recipient when he use to respond. Air. Johnson u««d he felt a iitrl< nervous and thanked Mr. Tostevin and Air. Alasters for their kindly remarks. His short stay in the district had been a happy one and he would miss the welcome faces of many of the children. The gathering that evening was an inspiration for him to carry away to his new circuit. He was pleased with the attendance at church for his farewell service and hoped the people would support Air. Fordyce. He urged the young people to take a stand and fight on. Air. Johnson concluded ms remarks with a very sincere “Thank you, one and all.’’ Air. Fordyce said when he had received the invitation to be present, he thought the idea of the gathering s lino one. As a brother minister, he assured the gathering that Mr. Johnson had earned the respect of all. He little thought when at Sanson some tb months ago that he would be coming as their superintendent, and paid a tribute 1o the late Rev. P. J. Gossum, saying he felt it an honour to be asked to succeed him in this circuit. Mr. Fordyce said he hoped to carry on with the work among the young people. Church members and friends would find he had a willing helper in Airs. Fordyce, who would be prepared to do her share to help with church work. Air. Johnson (Taikorea), said that the efforts of their retiring minister were appreciated by the members of Taikorea Bible Class. They w r ere sorry he was leaving and assured him their prayers would bo with him in his new district. He asked Mr. Johnson to accept a parcel of books with their regards and esteem. Mr. P. Hazelwood (Sandon Bible Class), expressed the appreciation of .Sandon members and also handed Air. Johnson a parcel of books. Air. Johnson said that it had been a great pleasure to him to visit his Taikorea friends. He hoped those present would take back to members his sincere appreciation and hoped that the friendships formed in Taikorea would be renewed at some future time. He was proud of his success in forming such a large Bible Class at Sanson and also looked forward to meeting them all again. Air. Johnson resumed his seat amid prolonged applause. A dainty supper was served by lady friends and the gathering closed with the singing of “Auld Lang Sync.”