Popular Vicar Farewelled

Chronicle (Levin), 19 January 1948, Page 3

Popular Vicar Farewelled

REV, AND MRS. DATSON Parishioners and friends from Shannon and district met in the Parish Hall last Monday evening to farewell Rev. J. H. and Mrsl Datson, who leave at an early date for Wellington, wher,e Rev. Datson is to take over the Parish of St. Jude, at Island Bay. . There was a very good and representative attendance and a very pleasing function followed. The first part of the evening was occupied by a number of items by Miss Joan Swindlehurst, Mr. C. M. Cronquest, Mr. A. H. Mills and Rev. Martin. Miss D. Wood kindly supplied the music for the dance programme which followed. Compeiitioii dances were won by Mr. and Mrs. Ward. Mr. C. M. Cronquest made a very capable M.C. A very pleasant home-made supper was served by the ladies of. the Church Guild. At a suitable juncture after supper, Mr. Cronquest xeferred to the pending departure of Mr. and Mrs. Datson and expressed very sincere regret that they were leaving the district. He said it was a matter for congratulation, however, that Mr. Datson should be chosen to fill a city parish. Mr. Cronquest said that the FoxtonShannon parish was an extensive district and he doubted if many people connected with the church realised the amount of work involved in administration. He sincerely trusted that parishioners would realise the assistance it was necessary to give the Vicar and would rally round and do all possible to help Mr. Datson's successor. The speaker went on to state that Mr. Datson had dischafged his duties faithfully and well and it was regrettable that the district was losing him. He trusted that both Rev. and Mrs. .Datson would be spared for many years to enjoy good health and continue their good work in their new location. They would carry away with them the very best wishes of all with whom they had conie in contact. Mr. G. W. Munford, Rev. Martin, Mr. Tom Walker and Mr. Vile (Opiki) , all endorsed the remarks made by Mr. Cronquest and stated that both Rev. Datson and Mrs. Datson had endeared themselves to the people of Shannon and were beloved by the community. Mr. Cronquest then called upon Mr. Tom Walker to present a. cheque to the guests of honour as a small token of thanks and appreciation from the. parishioners of the Shannon district. On behalf of Mrs. Datson and himself, Rev. Datson thanked the various speakers for their expressions of goodwill and those responsible for the gift. He said that he would look back on his stay in this district as a real experience. He then referred briefly to his life in the ministry and went on to thank all those in connection with the church who had done so much. to assist him, making mention to the church wardens and the ladies' guild. In connection with the latter, he stated that Mrs. E. L. Hyde had been a tower of strehgth in bringing the guild into the strong position it was in today. Mrs. Hyde had given much of her time and financial support in the interests of the chVrch. Reference was also. made to the excellent service given by Mrs. R. Parr in the execution of her duties as secretary of the guild. "I will always look back on my stay in this district as an experience," : concluded Rev. Datson. "During our stay here we have made. many friends, and to them I say that if ever they come to Lyall Bay they will always find the latch on the door and the string outside." A very pleasant soeial evening was concluded by all joining hands in the singing of "Auld Lang Syne"