DEAN OF HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18660, 11 June 1932, Page 5

DEAN OF HAMILTON.

CLAUDELANDS SEND-OFF

PARISHIONERS’ TRIBUTES. SEVERAL PRESENTATIONS. The high esteem in which Dean G. R. Barnett and Mrs Barnett are held among Claudalands Anglican parishioners was well evidenced at a farewell social held in the Claudelands Church Hall last evening. Despite a cold and foggy evening about 200 people, including many young lom. were present. The Dean and Mrs Barnett will leave shortly for England. . . ' During the evening, which was spent, with musical items and dancing, Mr A. W. Ward presented the Dean with an envelope containing a substantial sum of money on behalf of the Claudelands parishioners. He said the Dean and Mrs Barnett had endeared themselves to all during their five years’ stay in Hamilton, while young people specially had benefited greatly from their ministrations. As they grew up they could not but retain the fondest' recollections of the many happy evenings organised by the Dean and Mrs Barnett. The Dean’s manifold duties must have been carried out under a great strain, hut he had responded splendidly. He hoped they would have a happy and pleasant time In the Old Country. “We feel sure you will return sooner or later," he added amidst applause. Mr W. H. Blakeway expressed the good wishes of the Gordonton parishioners, and handed -over a wallet to the Dean on their behalf. After telling

several amusing anecdotes, he wished 1 the Dean and Mrs Barnett every happiness in their future sphere. * Representing the Matangi parishioners, Mr J. T. Reid presented Mrs Barnett with an umbrella and a pair of goloshes. He said the Matangi church people wished them both God-speed, and regretted that they were leaving ■the parish. They were grateful for all the Dean had done for them. Dean’s Appreciation.

After Mr and Mrs Barnett had been accorded musical honours the Dean replied. He appreciated greatly, he said, the presence of so many parishioners, especially as the circumstances under which they were leaving were unique. The reasons why a clergyman left a parish to go elsewhere were not many —promotion, retirement, or beoause he realised lie had failed. Without any sense of elation, he could say none of these reasons applied to him. (Applause.) He <thanked Mr Ward and the other speakers for their kind words, and the Claudelands, Gordonton and Matangi parishioners for their generous gifts. Everywhere they would retain the fondest recollections of the good wishes that had been showered upon them. They coulcl say, indeed, that they left with many heartaches. The Dean paid a graceful tribute to his wife, who had been a great mainstay in his work. (Applause.) He said they were not going to any definite position in England. It was just an adventure, and he wanted time to think and study. He felt certain God had work for him to do somewhere. Ho had had 21 years of very strenuous ministerial life, and felt like a quiet time for a while. Referring to Mr Ward’s remarks, the Dean said one of his most, delightful experiences in Hamilton had been his work among the young people. He thanked them all again for their kindness and forbearance. (Applause). An enjoyable evening closed with supper and dancing.