FAREWELL TO REV. CANON FOX.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 700, 20 December 1902, Page 1

FAREWELL TO REV. CANON FOX.

i.avidf.:: party at pouparae.

Upwards oi' two hundred parishioners and friends of the Ilev. Canon aud Mrs Fox were present at tho garden party tendered to them‘at the residence of Mr R. Shevratt, I’ouparae, on Thursday afternoon, and the function was in every respect a most enjoyable one. The afternoon's proceedings wore opened by Mr A. Kempthorne, who, speaking on behalf of the parishioners, said that they had met together to bid farewell to their friend and pastor, the Rev. Canon Fox, aud to ask his kind acceptance of a testimonial and a purse containing a sum of money, the gift of the parishioners of the Turanga Church district of Poverty Bay, The committee regretted very much that ill-health should havo prevented their energetic secretary and treasurer, Mr Charles Gray, from taking tho leading part in tho presentation which tho lengthy term of his position had entitled him to do, but they hoped the change of air and rest would enable him to return with renowed health. Canon Fox had been in chargo of tho parochial district for the past nine years, during which the number of settlers in all parts of the country had largely increased, which necessitated long journeys to visit them in their distant homes. In tho winter tho muddy stato of the roads and flooded rivers mado the undertaking an arduous one, and had proved to bo more than the Canon’s health could stand. Canon Fox had endeared himself to his parishioners, and universal regret had been expressed that they wero about to Joso him. Mrs Fox would also be much missed for her kindness and hospitality. Tho country district had increased aud prospered during the period mentioned, and the funds for the erection of a church at Wacrcnga-a-hika woro now almost enough £o warrant a start in tho building, A section of land at Pututalii had also been acquired, and a good sum was in hand towards a church in that township. In accordance with tho wishes of the people, a testimonial to Canon Fox had boon prepared for presentation, along with which was a sum of money subscribed, tho donors of which requested that it should bo devoted to furnishing tho Canon’s now homo at Nelson. In conclusion, Mr Kempthorne added that they hoped their friend’s life would bo long spared in the effort to lead his fellow-creatures on tho way to a Better Land. The following testimonial was then read by Mr J. 0. Woodward : “ Turanga, Poverty Bay, December 18, 1902. To the Rev. Canon Fox, M.A. Dear Canon Fox, —Wo have heard with very great regret of your intended departure from our midst, and we have asked you to meet us this afternoon that we may express to you our deep sorrow at losing you, and to wish you and Mrs Fox and family God-Bpeed in your now home, When your committee first hoard of your intended departure, they, at the wish of your parishioners, wrote urging you to reconsider your decision, and it was only upon the score of your health they finally consented to let you go. Fot the nine years that you have held the position of Vicar of the Turanga district, you have, by your unselfishness at all times, by your unwearied efforts in our spiritual welfare, and by your truly Christian example, ever endeared yourself to your people ; so that in losing you wo each and all feel that we are losing our dearest friend, who has occupied a place in our hearts which can never be refilled. In bidding you goodbye, dear Canon, wo ask your acceptance of this purse of sovereigns, as an earnest of the good wishes of the people of all denominations, amongst whom you have labored so long, and as a mark of the universal ostcem and lovo which you have gained from us, and which v;e can assure you you will over retain. Wo remain, dear Canon, very faithfully your. (Signed on behalf of the subscribers) A. Kempthorne.”

Tho Rev. Canon Fox, who was received with applause, thanked tho Chairman for his kind words, which ho know wore sincere. It was, ho said, tho proudest moment in his lifo, but it was also tho most hutnblo. Whilst thanking them for their regards, ho rcuiomborod that in what he had tried to do and what he had dono ho had only been doing his duty, ai;d he rogretted ho had been unable to do more. He thanked thorn for gathering together to bid him farewell. It had been his intention of saying good-byo personally to all his parishioners, but he had been unwell, and also so occupied that it was impossible to reach all iu tho tkreo months that ho had had. To tlioso ho had been unable to visit, and to all, ho took the opportunity to heartfully express his sentiments at what might be their farewell parting. Ho trusted that by going to more suitablo work ho would recover his strength and thus bo onabled to renew his work with more vigor, (Applause.) Mr W. L, Rees, speaking on behalf of the parishioners of the Canon’s old district and his many friends, said that everyone expressed a feeling of kindness to their departing friend, and although ho had left them ten years ho knew they had not forgotten their pastor or his teaching. Canon Fox feelingly responded, stating that he fully reciprocated their expression and token of hearty interest, and assured all of a deep aud affectionate regard which ho would always retain. Three cheers were then called for Canon Fox, and heartily responded to. Tho Rev. W. Welsh said he had known the Canon ever since he came here, aud he could see his work had been one of great blessing. This was the second time he had followed the Canon, for they had previously been in contact at St. xYugustine’s. He had never known any clergyman who was spoken of so kindly and who was so beloved.

An adjournment was made to the lawn, where afternoon tea was partaken of, and the remaining hours of the afternoon were devoted to tennis, croquet, and social intercourse.