Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 1947 WELCOME HOME

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 68, 18 August 1947, Page 4

Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 1947

WELCOME HOME

ENGLISH CHURCH FUNCTION REV. J. C. J. WILSON A very enjoyable social was held in the Church of England Parish Hall recently, the occasion being a welcome to the Rev. J. C. J. Wilson and Mrs Wilson. The Rev. Wilson has been on service as a padre with the occupation forces in Japan. The hall was gaily decorated with vases of spring flowers and a happy atmosphere prevailed. Mr C. R. Coates, parishioners’ warden, was chairman for the formal part of the evening and on behalf of the vestry and the parishioners he welcomed the guests back to the parish.

Other speakers were: Captain L. W. G. Rogers (Church Army), Rev. F. J. Climo (Methodist Church and Ministers’ Assn.), and Mr S. T. Keen.

In his reply Rev. Wilson stated his thankfulness at being home again and on behalf of Mrs Wilson and himself expressed his pleasure at meeting so many of the parishioners at the welcome home evening.

Social Portion

The social portion of the evening was under the charge of Mr C. S. Armstrong who made a very capable M.C. Items were given by Mr C. W. Good (songs) and Mr C. R. Coates (sketch). A play, “Rest Cure,” was given by members of the Whakatane Drama League. Music ' for dancing was provided by Mr Colin Wallace who was accompanied at -the piano by Mr T. Craddock. Valedictory Included in the programme was an official farewell to Canon H. Frazer, who was acting locum during the Rev. Wilson’s . absence and has since gone to Woodville. Mr B. S. Barry expressed the good wishes of all the parishioners towards Canon Frazer and thanked him for the solid w'ork he had put in during his stay in Whakatane. Captain Rogers also expressed deep appreciation of the work Canon Frazer had done, particularly in regard to his visits to the many sick and ailing folks and his trips to the country districts. The vicar’s warden then presented the guest with a book “The History of New Zealand.” Canon Frazer expressed his gratitude for the gift and thanked all v/ho had helped to make his stay in the parish such an enjoyable one.