DUAL FAREWELL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 4, 3 September 1943, Page 5

DUAL FAREWELL

WELL KNOWN RANGITAIKI RESIDENTS DEPART large EDGHCUMUE gathering Friends from all parts of the Rangitaiki gathered at the Presbyterian Chinch flail on Friday evening to bid. farewell to Mr and Airs James (low and Mr and Mrs D. O. Murray who are shortly leaving the district. A varied and enjpyable programme ot musical items, had been prepared by Mr M. Claris. The stage had been artistically decorated with bowls of spring flowers by Mrs W. B. Cow. The programme was. opened by Mr L. Broadmore with cornet solos accompanied by Mrs R. E. Blair. I liese items were much appreciated and encored. A Scottish dance was then performed by Pat Ferguson and Be.rnice Starne.s to pipe accompaniment by Colin MartJin. Mrs: K. Armstrong contributed two songs "The Old Refrain" and "I'll Walk Beside "Vou in her well known pleasing manner. Mrs Hepburn gave two very enjoyable elocutionary numbc is Good-bj c\, God Bless You" and in humorous vein "A Great Artist." Mrs Goodwin then played the pianoforte. solo "Tarantelle." Two songsill character costume were contributed by Mr M. C. Claris "I, Travel the Road" and "A Jovial Monk am I." these items were very much appreciated. Miss Nancy Ferguson sang "Passing By" iin her pleasing •soprano voice and responded to an encore. A Highland Fling was skillfully danced by Helen McLean, Pat Ferguson and Bernice Starnes, Colin Martin again supplying pipe accompaniment. Mr Claris then introduced Rev. J. H. Starnes to wish the guests of honour good-bye and God-speed on behalf of friends assembled. Mr Starnes said that although it had been their w*j.sh to slip a way quietly it was felt that such could not be the case—the many friends they had could not allow the occasion to pass without expressing deep regret at their departure and sincere appreciation of all the work and s-cr-vice they had rendered to the church and the community. He felt that they would ever be returning to the Rangitaiki on visits so that Ave should never lose touch with them. He. then called on Mr A. Barr to make a presentation. Mr Barr said that Air and Airs Gow and Air and Airs Murray would be much missed in the church work in the district but the llangitaiki's loss would doubtless be gain to the place where they were making their new home. He then presented each couple wUli two beautiful silver fruit bowls with all good wishes from their friends. A beautiful bouquet and a basket of lovely flowers were presented to each of the ladies (Airs Gow and Airs Murray) by Mrs A. C. Martin. Prolonged, applause and musical honours were accorded the guests of the evening. 111 reply, Mr Gow thanked all for their expression of kind thoijght in coming to bid them farewell. He also thanked the artists and speakers for kind words, and the handsome gift, and extended an invitation to all friends to call 011 them when they were settled in the\r new home. Air D. 0. .Murray in returning thanks to all present for kindly speeches and gifts, said it was a wrench to leave after so long a residence on the Rangitaiki. He I'elt proud to have played a small part in the establishment of the Presbyterian Church at Edgeeumbe and its welfare would always be dear to him and Mrs Murray. He also said, friends would be very welcome in the\r new home. The Rev. J. H. Starnes asked all to sing the hymn "God. be with you till we meet again" after which the Benediction was pronounced. A splendid supper was served during which friends took the opportunity of chatting with the departing guests and conveying personal wishes for happiness and prospeiUy in their new sphere.