VALEDICTORY.

Western Star, 10 April 1934, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

REV. F. O. PROSSER. The Rev. F. O. Prosser was tendered a farewell social in the Methodist Church on Friday evening, the building being packed with a large number, including members from other denominations. Apologies were received from Captain Millar and Rev Malcolm. The Rev. C. H. Olds, B.A. presided. Hiß Worship the Mayor (Dr Trotter), Revs. N. Luker (Anglican) and Ashworth were also on the platform. His Worship said he was very pleased to be present that evening, but the pleasure was tempered with regret at the loss of Mr and Mrs Prosser. They were held in the highest esteem not only by their own parishioners but by members of other denominations, and the large attendance that evening was sufficient testimony to the respect and affection, in which they were held. He trusted that both Rev. and Mrs Prosser would have prosperity and happiness in their new home.

The»e remarks were endorsed by the Rev. N. Luker and Rev Ashworth (Nightcaps). The latter referred to the love and esteem in which Mr Prosser was held in the Nightcaps, Ohai and Tuatapere districts. On behalf of the Methodists of these districts he wished tlie departing guests health and happiness in their new home. Prior to the presentation Mi's Prosser was'presented" with a beautiful bouquet by Lenore Smyth. The Rev. Mr Prosser was then presented with a substantial sum of money. Mr Girvan, who made the presentation, stated that Mr Prosser had been connected with the Church for eight year*. A Minister was generally transferred after three years, and it was an exception to have one for five years. In Mr Prosser’s case he had been left for five years to carry" out his work, and that he had been successful was evidenced by the fact that during that period he had been' responsible for building a new Church at Wild Bush and erecting a Sunday School at Riverton. Altogether a sum of over £IOOO had been raised in addition to ordinary revenue during his term in Riverton. The membership of the Church had also been increased from 44 to 86, and a large increase had been" shown in the membership of the Bible Class. Mr Girvan expressed best wishes for Rev and Mrs Prosser’s future happiness. The .Rev. Mr Prosser in thanking the speakers for their kind remarks and the congregation for their substantial token said that he had been ably supported in his work by Mrs Prosser —in fact she wag the driving force. During his long stay in Riverton it had been a privilege to meet them, and rejoice in their gladness and sympathise in their sorrows. He trusted that his successor would receive the hearty serpport that had been accorded. him during his ministry here. During his eight years in Riverton he had come to look upon it as his New Zealand home. He had spent many happy days here and had also one great sorrow. Although leaving it was his intention to come back again and he would pay them a visit when the Borough Centenary celebrations took place.

During the evening the following contributed items Misses R. Ashley, .Mary Wilkinson, Mabel Wilkinson, D. Blackmore (instrumental quartet); Mesdames S'. Mitchell and F. Thomson (songs); Mr 3 Luker (recitation); Misses L. Joyce and Edna Girvan (songs) ; 'Mr Luker (song) ; Miss R, Ashley (violin solo). By special request Rev and Mrs Prosser presented in their usual style the ever-welcome duets :—Preparing for the Party, and The A.B.C. Mis R. Whyte proved an efficient and sy ipathetic accompanist. -