Farewell to the Rev. W. E. Birks.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 292, 19 April 1894, Page 2

Farewell to the Rev. W. E. Birks.

One of the largest gatherings ever held in Birmingham was the farewell tea and concert;, in the Town Hall last evening, given to the Rev W. E. Birks, Wesley an Minister, who is about to leave the district. It i 3 estimated that over two hundred persons sat down to tea at the tables, which were presided over by Mesdames McNair, Moffat, Morton, and R. Burne, assisted by the bachelors. Contributions were given by Mesdaims Bowles, Conder, Lowes, Anyon, Fanthorpe, Fowler, and Miss Palmer, The Misses Laing and Palmer and Mrs Rowles also assisted at the tables. After the tea the tables were cleared and a concert held in the Hall, which was very tastefully decorated. The several items on the programme were splendidly rendered and reflected great credit on the talent of Birmingham. The Rev. Mr Keall occupied the chair. The first item was a musical selection, " Lily of the Valley," by Mrs Kitchen (piano i, Messrs F. Fanthorpe (violin), F. Barlow (flute), and W. Barlow (clarionette). This orchestra, conducted by Mr Fanthorpe, also opened the second part with the selection ; " Fair Jesmond," which was encored. Mr Birks sang "The Bugler," and Mr F. Barlow gave " Guonod's Serenade " as a flute solo. Mr H. S. Moss was very pathetic in the recitation "The last shot, 1 ' and was encored for his rendition of "Kissing Cup's race," giving " My lady's leap " as an encore. Mrs Kitchen and Mr W. Barlow sang ; the duet "Larboard Watch;" Miss Laing, " Afton water ;" and Miss A. Lowes, " Love's old sweet song." ' The , solo " Bragga's serenade" by Miss M. Lowes, accompanied by Miss Lowes ' on the piano, and Mr F. Barlow on the flute, went very well indeed. Mr W. Barlow was heard to advantage in j " The last muster," and Mrs Kitchen ' was deservedly encored for her ren- . dition of " The blind girl to her harp," giving in response "The song that reached my heart." Miss Carter sang " Kate O'Sbane," Mr Tolley (senr.) " Farewell," Miss Richardson " The fisherman and his child," and Miss Buckman " My southern sunny sunny home," the latter being encored. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Kitchen, Miss Lowes, and Mr Bayne. During the progress of the musical items several short addresses were made. The Rev. Mr Keall expressed his pleasure at meeting those present, but regretted they were about to lose Mr Birks. Mr Richards, who had been appointed to succeed Mr Birks was an old mission agent, who bad not landed in the district yet, and arrangements had been made for Mr Birks to stay here till the arrival of his successor. Mr Keall hoped they would have the best Home Mission station in New Zealand before long. * It seemed a small thing three years ago to start a mission in this district, but it had grown since then. He was sure all would agree that Mr Birks had done his best and they would be sorry to lose him. Mr Morton said referring to financial matters, that last quarter they were £'28 behind. It would- be remembered that the Conference reduced the grant from £30 to £10 and he asked all Mho could to assist as much as possible as they would not like to see Mr Birks go away with £30 pounds owing to him. Mr Anyon referred to Mr Birks in complimentary terms and eaid the Sunday School children had their photo taken in a group, and Mr Birks would be presented with an enlargement. On the motion of Mr Gay it was resolved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the ladies and those who helped to make the tea a success, also, to Mr Keall.

The quarterly meeting- of the Wesleyan circuit, Kiwitea, was held yesterday afternoon, the Rev. Mr Keall presiding. Mr Morton was reelected circuit steward for the ensuing term of iiyo years. Favorable reports were received of the Sunday Sohools at Birmingham and Apiti.