DEAN CARRINGTON.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19163, 21 November 1927, Page 3

DEAN CARRINGTON.

CAMBRIAN SOCIETY BIDS FAREWELL.

A Kaiapoi travelling rug, a suede travelling cushion (both monograromed), and a gold brooch were presentations made respectively to Dean, Mrs, and Miss Carrington, on Saturday evening, prior to their departure for England, by the Canterbury Cambrian Society. The farewell evening was held in the Lilac Lounge, and Mr C. E. Jones presided over a very large attendance. "I have known Dean Carrington ever since he stepped upon the shores of New Zealand, said Mr Jones, in making the presentation to the guests of the evening. "H. 6 and I have been neighbours for some years, and we have sat together on many committees, therefore I can speak of him with the knowledge born of a close acquaintance. The Dean is not Welsh, but Mrs Carrington comes from Wales. The Dean has been a great friend of the Cambrian Society. He preached the first St. David's Day sermon in the Cathedral. He has never sought the limelight, but has been of tremendous service to the community in a great many walks of life. We wish him Godspeed and a happy time in the Old Country—one of rest after a veiy strenuous life —and . I say without qualification that there has always been, and there will always be, a very warm feeling of friendship for the Dean in the hearts of all the people, and especially the members of the Cambrian Society," concluded Mr Jones.

"I was disappointed when I saw it reported . in the papers that another farewell had heen given to Dean Carrington," said the Mayor, Mr J. K. Archer, "and that no one had spoken on behalf of the City. I discovered later that it had been an oversight. I do not look for publicity, as I get enough of it, but I must say that the whole of Christchurch regrets the departure of the Dean and Mrs Carrington. The Dean has been a great influence for good in the City for many years. I have always been impressed by the beauty and the absolutely satisfying nature of the public services arranged from time to time by the Dean, and particularly impressed by the beauty of the musical programme provided. His addresses have always been stimulating and thought-provoking in their substance, and the good influence that he ha& exercised in the community have been felt by a great many." Professor Davies, of Dunedin, referred to Dean Carrington's great scholastic attainments, and deep spirituality, stating that it was he who instituted the St. David's Day service.

Other speakers were Messrs' A. L. Jenkins, D. James, P. L. Davies, and the Rev. Morgan Richards. Mr Richards referred to the revival of the drama in Wales, expressing his pleasure at the knowledge that Miss Molly Carrington was taking up the drama in England. ''l trust," he said, "that Miss Carrington will inspire the young people of Wales and spur them on to greater efforts in the revival of the drama."

"When one puts this very wonderful rug round one's shoulders in the frigid atmosphere of England," said the Dean, in reply, "one will think of the glorious warmth and sunshine of New Zealand, especially dufing the last six weeks. (Laughter.) Wales," he said, "is a glorious and magnificent country, and I hope to see it again. But at the present time I don't now where on earth we_ are going to. We shall probably sit on cur boxes at Southampton and aski if there is an office for the receiving of invmgirants! (Laughter.) I heartily look forward to having no engagements in my diary. No doubt, I will get a job of some sort, if anybody will take me on, and Mrs Carrington will, no doubt,' be getting busy. The Cambrian Society is growing in fervour and enthusiasm, and I doubt not if it is becoming a danger to society, being one of these sectional bodies. It might lead to insurrection and be one of the problems of the League of Nations. (Laughter.) I sometimes wonder why we don't found an English Society. I do not go in for lachrymose farewells. If people desire to weep on my neck I- will resist their efforts with all my force. Wo know each other, and by keeping each other in mind we do not really part." Mrs Carrington, with the Dean, expressed her thanks for the presentations that were made, and Miss Molly Carrington replied briefly, stating that when she reached England she I would not forget that she was a- New Zealander.'