A POPULAR MINISTER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 14, 9 April 1947, Page 5

A POPULAR MINISTER

REV. AND MRS A. F. ATTWOOD FAREWELLED MANY WARM TRIBUTES The St. John Ambulance Association's Hall, King Street, was comfortably filled last Wednesday evening' when friends of Rev. and Mrs A. F. Attwood gathered to extend a formal farewell in view of their forthcoming transfer to the Methodist Circuit of Kawakawa, North Auckland. The gathering was a joint one promoted by the local Methodist congregation in conJunction with members of the St. John Ambulance Association of which both Rev. and Mrs Attwood were active members. It was likewise significant for the large number of businessmen and members of other churches who were also present, including the Mayor of Whakatane, Mr B. S. Barry.

The evening took on a social form in which a number of pleasing items were performed and over which Mr "F. Gardner Brown presided as M.C. Speakers from the church congregation, and from other denominations joined in paying a warm tribute to the departing guests of the evening. Presentations were made on behalf of the local Methodist community and the St. John Ambulance Association.

"I am sure the people of Whakatane have no conception of the extent of the work of the Rev. Attwood," said Mr Barry, who added that he took the keenest pleasure in thanking him on behalf of the public of the town for the splendid work he had done over the years he had been here. It might astonish

some to learn that there were still cases of genuine distress in the Borough and people who had encountered ill-luck could always count on Rev. Attwood for sympathy and help. One case recently concerned a lady who declared that he had actually restored her faith in Christianity. Quietly he had carried out his mission for good, following closely in the footsteps of, his Master. He (the speaker) wondered actually how he discovered the various cases of distress, for whenever they came to official notice, it was always discovered that Rev. Attwood had been there already. He wished both he and his wife the best of happiness in their new sphere. Mr J. Hellyar for the church con-

gregation said that both Rev. and

Mrs Attwood were firm believers in the power of prayer. They had been tireless -workers in the interests of the church itself and had made won-

derful progress. During their stay

the indebtedness on that new building had been wiped off and the • church drawn closer together as a community. . The Attwood family would be sadly missed by the great number of friends they had made in Whakatane, but who, nevertheless joined in wishing them God-speed and happiness. Mr Frank DarviU tendered the good wishes of the officers of the •church mentioning the widespread nature of Rev. Attwood's social work -a? visitor to the local hospital and also to the gaol where every unfortunate could depend on a word of comfort from him. Rev. J. G. Laughton expressed his personal thanks on behalf of the "Maori section of the community, members of which had often felt the need of a Christian friend. In Rev. Attwood they had never failed to find one. Rev. Drake (Anglican) and Rev. Bell (Presbyterian) also spoke extending their best wishes to both Rev. and Mrs Attwood. They were followed by Mr E. Bar well, Mr A. J. Canning and Deputy Superintendent Doug Paterson who spoke on biehalf of the St. John Ambulance Association. Responding, the guest of the evening said that he had listened to many glowing tributes which he felt could not have been applied to him, as his chief worry had ever been N the amount of work which he had not been able to perform. While they would, both of them, deeply appreciate all that had been said, he "trusted that they would not be repeated to his successor who would be looking for co-operation and active support form everybody. With "his wife and family, he could say that he was very fond of the Bay of Plenty where so many friendships had been made. He personally had appreciated the friendship of many and had been glad of the work he had been able to do had been successful in any way. He was deepuy grateful for the kindly gifts and expression of feeling voiced by the various speakers. Items given during the evening were as under: Solo, 'Sound of the Pibroch', Mr Doug Paterson; Chorus,

'The Bells of St. Mary' St. John Ambulance Cadets; Magical interlude, Mr Jack Rust; Solos, 'Clothes Props' Mr F. Watson; Cornet Solo, Mr Len Broadmore; Duet, 'Wish You Luck as we Wave You Goodbye" Fiona Wilson and Margaret Hammorl. /