LEAVING FOR OTAGO

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 135, 9 June 1937, Page 6

LEAVING FOR OTAGO

REV. AND MRS. G. S. KING FAREWELLED AT WANGANUI EAST EXPRESSIONS OF REGRET, Many expressions of regret wer< heard at Wanganui East last night when a farewell social was tendered the Rev. G. S. and Mrs. King, waa leave shortly for Otago alter speaking nearly 10 years in Wanganui. A* minister of St. James’ Presbyterian Church, and as a member of the Wanganui East School Committee and the Wanganui Education Board, the Rev. King has been closely associated with ecclesiastical and educational matters in the city and district. Last night's social was held in St. James’ Church Hall and was well attended. Musical items interspersed farewell speeches and Mr. ana Mrs. King were the recipients of presentations from the congregation and Sunday School classes. | Tne Rev. A. C. McKean, M.A., who presided, said at the outset that they all regretted the occasion. Such a large attendance, however, demonstrated that their feelings of sorrow were shared by all. During his stay 4 in Wanganui, Mr. King had done much and his departure would mean a loss to the community. He wished their departing guests every happiness and prosperity in their new sphere. The Rev. L. H. Ker, M.A., president of the Wst janui Ministers’ Association, said he attended in the dual capacity of a representative of the association and a brother minister. During the past few years he had been linked in friendship and co-operation with Mr. King. He regretted such words of farewell as those which must be said. One of his chief impressions of the Rev. King was a man strong in his convictoins and with a firm hold on his ideals. He had served the community well and had always been a good friend to ail. He possessed a strong sense of duty, and his work had taken a full place in the city. In wishing Mr. and Mrs. King farewell he would wish them God speed and God's blessing. Mr. E. R. xiodge referred to his association with Mr. King in educational ma.ters. He appreciated very much the opportunity 01 being present and endorsed the remarks of previous speakers. He was very happy to say that he had been associated with Mr King in public life, for he had always found him a true friend and a very wor.hy member of the bodies he had represented. He was a man of vision and sound judgment and had played a wonderful part in the life of Wanganui East. The speaker added that he was sorry Mr. King was leaving but glad on the other hand that he was going to a larger field and fresh work. Mr. I. Mac Gibbon, secretary of the Wanganui East School Committee, referred to Mr. King’s activity on that ' body and read a letter of appreciation of his work, not only on the school committee, but also on the Wanganui Education Board. The letter endorsed the sen’iments of other members of the committee and was a token of the est J; em ln wh ich Mr. King was held. Mr. Alex Stuart remarxed that he had known Mr. and Mrs. Kinj* faseveral years, and had always found them conscientious and ernest workers for the cause they represented “ a .[ Se gathering was sufficient evidence that they were loved and reThe m- b> ; their entire con sregation. Ron m fln’? ."'w ,ndeed a had position to fin, but Mr. and Mrs. King had done their duty well. 8 Mr. Humphrey paid tributes to Mr. Kingi w ° rk at Wanganui East, and his untiring efforts on behalf of the parishioners, particularly those w.’.ti were sick or m trouble and neeainz his help Nothing was too great or too small and bota Mr. and Mrs. King help” " ayS been Cn ins rt ra ‘ion and a C . lemancc ’ on behalf of the a fol’ 5 ! school children, aiso addressed a few words of farewell. Mrs. King, in a lew words of aopreciation, tnanked those present tor their many kindly references and ex- » aS£e v kecn rcs ‘ et at 'caving Waii°anui East. She would carry awav many memories of the happy ships made during her SJ ye/rs in the I do not like the idea of goin" awav great de:. ‘ hat 1 hfve’done great deal more lor the communitv and our church,’ said Mr. King in rethA?’h g ,hanks ’ Hc regretted a,»o when the? h3VC l ° ICa ' e at a sla « e when they were on the eve of great developments in the schools. On lhe ‘ committee at Wanganui Easl and Board'he r h°i f d th r Wanganui Educa.ion he h?i h a| ways lelt at home, for ' he had been associated with men who I were out to do their very best The ! expressions of love and regret’ from ’ the Sunday School children were verv “ ng ’J n P’-vicg a tribute to R»v k w° f S “oo ay Scho °l teachers, the tex. King added that hc doubted that parents realised just how much these on P hechnd°ren PliSh<,J * h ° ”1 feel indebted to-night, and will toln n t'h te | f '’ r thc ,e ’ st of m - v ''fe. to all those loyal wotkers of the congregation who have done so much for the church.” he ad,ted.