FAREWELL TO MR. H. N HOLMES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1238, 21 September 1911, Page 6

FAREWELL TO MR. H. N HOLMES.

BY METHODIST FRIENDS. Mr. n. N. Holmes, secretary of the V.M.C.A., who is shortly to leave Wellington for Adelaide, was farewolled last night by the Methodists of Wellington at tho Wesley Schoolroom, Taranaki Street. The Rev. J. G. Chapman presided, and among those present were tin; Rev. J. Ward, of Trinity Church, Wellington South, and the Rev. Mr. Clark, of Karori. Apologies for absence were received from the Rev. C. H. Jones a.iui tho Rev. Mr. Olds.

In his opening remarks, tho Rev. J. G. Chapman .stated that it was undoubtedly duo to tho bad weather that there was only a small attendance. Had it been fine, ho was sure that the hall would have been filled. He assured their guest, however, that tho attendance comprised the "cream" of the Wellington Methodists, even if the "skinime.l mill:" was not there. Continuing, he remarked that tho removal of Mr. lfoiinos from their midst would be a loss lo Wellington and a decided loss lo Wellington Methodists, for he had been a good citizen, and his genial personality had made him popular wherever lie went. As <i preacher ho would be greatly missed. In conclusion, Mr. Chapman expressed liigli regard for Sir. Iloimes as a mail, a Christian and a Christian worker and wished him prosperity.

Tho Rev. ,T. Ward, on behalf of the Wellington Methodist churches, regretted that they had to say good-bye to Mr. Holmes, who had done such good work during the 7J years ho had been in this c. ; ty. He had been clwel.v drawn to Mr. Holmes because he had acquitted himself as a man, he was a minister's son, he was true to his Church, and had done so much among the laymen of tho Church. He thanked him for all his work for Methodism and Christianity, aufl wished him success in all his works.

. Mr. W. 11. Bennett added a few words on behalf of tho laymen of Wellington, ivnd said that they had really been privileged to have had Mr. Holmes among them during the past seven years. The. speaker also made reference to Mr. Holmes's work among the young men of Wellington.

Mr. Holmes acknowledged the kindly feelings expressed, and went on to say that lie would-always have pleasant recollections of the gathering. He was proud to be a Methodist and the sou of a Methodist, and specially proud of (he Methodist Church of Soutli Australia, which had such a past, such a prcsoat, and such great future prospects. Anything which he haxl done in Wellington in connection with the Church had been a pleasure, and he considered that it was the duty of any young maa to give the Methodist Church tho best that was in liim. During the evening Miss Clark sung "V, ill V e No' Come Back Again," and other items were contributed bv Messrs. Newton and Hale.