VALEDICTORY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 250, 30 October 1901, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

l-'AUEWKLL TO CANON AXl> MRS WEBB.

Ac the pretty grounds of To itau Kahikatoa yesterday afternoon there was a ; large gathering of the friends of the Ucv. i Canon and Mrs Webb, in whoso honor the garden party had been organised. The day was uncomfortably warm, but the shade of the trees made the site of the outdoor gathering a delightful one for such a purpose. Plenty of seats were provided for those who chose to sit and chat. Four ping-pong boards were kept going merrily by players, and croquet was played on the lawn. Refreshments were served up during the afternoon, and all who attended had a hearty welcome from members of the ladies’ committee, and the host- and hostess, Ucv. Herbert and Mrs Williams. Among those present were Canon Pox, Rev. .1. G. Paterson, the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs I'ownley), and tow'n and country members ot the Church. Apologies, with expressions of goodwill, were received from Rev. Father Mulvihill, Rev. E. and Mrs

.Jennings, and Captain Sharp, of the Salvation Army. At hnlf-prst -1, the party assembled near the verandah, where the presentations took place. Captain Ferris had been deputed to act as spokesman, and there was warm approval of the graceful way in which ho carried out the duty and the excellent speech that he made. He modestly said that he regretted that the duty had not been entrusted to abler hands, and then went on to make a speech that could hardly have been excelled on such an occasion. He said that he would yield to no one in his sincerity in making this presentation, lie had worked with the Canon for the past seven years, as vestryman, as people’s churchwarden, and dually as the incumbent’s warden. Un behalf of the parishioners he made the presentation with feelings of regret at the necessity for the departure of Canon and Mrs Webb, but of pleasure at the kindly feeling that had prompted the gift. He regretted that ill-health had caused the Canon to resign the position which he had so worthily tilled. For nearly ten years the Canon and Mrs Webb had been with them and endeared themselves to tho parishioners generally. The decided views of the Canon on one question might have estranged a few from him, but those most bitterly opposed to him had been heard to say that they could not help admiring him for his pluck, persistence, and unswerving loyalty in the cause which he held to be sacred. (Hoar, hear.) Tho gifts had been provided from a fund raised by a sub-

scription limited to a small sum; they knew the gifts would be more appreciated for tlie spirit in which they were given than for their intrinsic value, and these were given spontaneously with Jove and respect. Partings wore at all times sad, and they were very sorry to part with Canon and Airs Webb, but trusted that the change might prove beneficial to the Canon’s health, and that he would have a long and happy life. They trusted that the Canon would so regain his health that lie could still continue his good work, if not amongst us, at any rate very near to us. They wished Canon and Mrs Webb and family all the joys of God’s blessing. lie had much pleasure in presenting the beautiful gifts. (Applause.) The gifts comprised a silver kettle and a handsome lamp, and from Airs If. Warren a memento in the form of a cake plate. In reply, Canon "Webb thanked them all for the kindness which had prompted :he gathering, and also for the kindness in iresenting these valuable gifts. He spoke very appreciatively of the gifts, which he ■ iid would always remind them of Gisjjrnc friends. Ho had for some time bought that he must sever his ccnnccion with tiio parish, but he had not bought it would he so soon. It was not asy to change from one ministry to

another; he had felt that a younger man should be appointed, but unexpectedly the matter had been decided for him, and his medical advisor had informed hint that if he continued to live t . in Gisborne he might become a useless ' invalid. He was going back to old friends and to a climate where, the doctor informed him, there was no reason that he might not live many years and have a life of usefulness. He was leaving friends ol nine years here and going buck to the ' old friends he made when first coming from England. There would be work for I him to do there. Unfortunately Mr Wills ' had leen invalided lately and was unable I In read the prayers or preach, and when he (Canon Webb) went back he would be able to help Mr Wills, and carry on a certain kind of ministry among his old friends. He had thought that he might I by such mission services as he had i started on Haiti, lead up to a suburban church whir h he might carry on as he got older and gave up Holy Trinity; but I it now seemed better that he should" leave Gisborne. Some, perhaps, had disapproved of the stand he had made on prohibition. Still they must recognise the fact that he was doing what his conscience led him to do. (Hear, hear.) He was going to be > firm in that to the end of his bf'.. He I had, he laughingly stated, "been doing his I best to deprive the poor man of his beer, j ruiu they had now the coneoiation of ! knowing that im being deprived of his bread. On behalf of Airs Webb and himself he wished them .all good-bye, and thanked them very much lor the hand- 1 some girts. I