Farewell Tea and Concert

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 61, 4 November 1886, Page 2

Farewell Tea and Concert

Yesterday will be long remembered by the members of the Church of Englaud iv Feilding as the day on which tbe Rev. Joshua Jones virtually severed his connection witb them. Ho has been the only Curate in charge of this parochial district since the commencement o£ the settlement, and during the period of his residence with us, has earned the respect aud esteem of his congregation by his sincerity and capacity for hard work. Inthe afternoon a s presentation of an address and a purse of sovereigns was made to Mrs Jones by Mrs Macarthur, on "behalf of the ladies of the congregation, in the Sunday Schoolroom. Later in the day a tea meeting was held, at which some two or three hundred adults aud children were present. After the tables had been cleared, a sale of ladies work commenced, and a great number of articles were disposed of. Mr W. G. Haybittle then ascended the rostrume (table) and offered the balance by a method popularly known as "Dutch Auction." He was most successful, and cleared the lot in first class style. At intervals during the sale a number of ladies and gentlemen sang a variety of songs, and we regret that pressure on our space precludes us giving a lengthy notice of them in detail.

Shortly after nine o'clock Mr Sherwill came forward and said he had to apologise on behalf of himself and several of the vestrymen for their nonattendance at an earlier hour, but the reason was they had been disappointed in not getting a train to Otaki from Waikanae to enable them to return at tho time they had calculated on. He was sure that the whole of Mr Jones' congregation, which extended over a vast amount of country, shared with him (Mr Sherwill) in the deep feeling of regret he experienced in parting with one who was their friend as well as pastor. However, they must accept the inevitable. He wished Mr and Mrs Jones all the happiness that this world could afford, and was certain that the knowledge they earned with them the good wishes of them all, would be a source of pleasure and gratification to them during the rest of their lives.

The Hey. Joshua Jones said it afforded him much pleasure to see so many of his friends present on this occasion. It was his intention to have have paid them all a farewell visit, but the weather had been so bad, he had been unable to carry out his desiresin that direction. Their presence in the Hall would, however, suffice to allow him to express the regret he felt at leaving Feilding. His appointment to another parish was not of his own seeking, and eight weeks ago he was ignorant that he would be called from them. It was his duty to obey. He hoped in a very short time another Curate would be sent to take his place to supply the spiritual wants of the people. He then bade them farewell.,

The proceedings terminated shortly after, and may be noted as a complete success. We understand Mr Jones will preach his farewell sermon on Sunday next. ,