VALEDICTORY.

Western Star, 27 August 1918, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, OTAUTAU TO MR A. V. KINO AND FAMILY. Tho comfortable little Wallace Hall, 0 tan tan, was crowded to the door on Friday evening last, the occasion being the Anglican Church farewell to Mr and Mrs A. V. King and family. During the past twelve years Mr King has acted as Treasurer of tho church, and for a similar period Mrsi King has acted as superintendent of the Sunday School. Both are held in the highest esteem, not only by their fellow church people, but also by the people of Otautau and district generally. The removal of the family to Lyttelton, where Mr King has been appointed chief postmaster, is regretted very much indeed, but the fact that the transference means substantial promos tion to some extent compensates the loss. The evening took the form of a concert, presentation and supper. The Rev. C. Webb occupied the chair, and right from the commencement of proceedings made everyone at home, insisting that “ stiffness or formalities were for the nonce counted out.” Vocal items .were contributed by Messrs W. N. Anderson, Jellyman, H. Muir, Harraiway, McKenzie, McGiuerty, Dr. Stewart, and J. Gordon, Mr Jellyman acting as accompanist throughout. The (supper was handed iound and good things were in abundance.

The 11 cv. C. Webb, in making the presentation from the church people, said he hoped the tokens would always bo reminders of the kind thoughts of Otautau people. As Treasurer Mr King had. been a- tower of strength in the church, and had lightened the work of the vestry, members, and Vicar to am extent that would he difficult to over estimate. At the present time wo can ill afford to lose so valued an officer, hut at the same time wo must congratulate Mr King upon his substantial promotion. Mrs King, as Superintendent of the Sunday School, had gathered: round her a most efficient staff. Some, twelve years ago Mrs King had taken up the Sunday school work temporarily, but that temporary appointment had materialised into twelve years? solid work, and as the Sunday school is the nursery of the church, that work is of first importance. Mrs King, had initiated the cradle roll, from which the Sunday school scholars graduated, eventually becoming the church membership. To Mr King he had pleasure in presenting a beautiful silver tea, and coffee service, to. Mrs. King a, gold necklet and cross, and to Miss 0. King a gold brooch, each being suitably inscribed; also he wished to convey to the recipients the host wishes of the parish far their future health and. happiness. Mr W. A. Saunders: and Mr G. Burnett also added their testimony to the

good qualities' of the guetets. Mr King responded on behalf of the family, in characteristically happy words. He felt quite unable to express his thanks for the kind words and: handsome presents of the church people.