VALEDICTORY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2259, 3 August 1908, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

REV. R. GARDNER. On Friday evening, despite rough weather and bad roads, a large congregation'assembled at the Matawliero Presbyterian Church to say farewell to the Rev. R. and Mrs. Gardner and family, Mr. Gardner having accepted a call to Woodville. Th'e chair was occupied by tile Moderator (Rev. W. Grant), who, in a feeling speech, made reference t 0 the good work done by Mr. Gardner during his nine years’ residence in the district, and expressed the sorrow of the congregation at losing their minister. However, they were not going far away, and no doubt they would pay an occasional visit to Matawliero. As a token of the esteem and affection in which Mr. Gardner was held by bis congregation, lie had pleasure in handing him a purse of sovereigns ind wished him God’s blessing in his new charge. The Rev. E. W. Walker, of Ormond. also added a few words of farewell. The Rev. Gardner, on behalf ofMrs. Gardner and himself, very feelingly replied. He thanked the congregation for their kindness during the time he bad been at Matawliero, mil he sincerely appreciated their kindly gift. He hoped to .seo them often in tho future, and he prayed that the blessing of God would rest upon them.

During the evening songs were contributed by Miss Stephenson. -Messrs Picken and H. Lange, and the Rev. W. Grant. The Rev. E. AV. Walker gave two recitations, and the occom-pnn-iments were tastefully played by Mrs. Grayson. The ladies of the congregation supplied refreshments, and mention must -he made of Airs. Lange’s good work. After the hymn “God 'be with you till wo meet ■again.” the proceedings were coneluded ‘by the Moderator pronouncing the Benediction. AIR. F. T. FARAM. About fifty residents of Muriwai md the surrounding district met at the Aluriwai Hotel on '.Saturday evening to say “good-bye” to Air. F. T. Faram, who, for the past sixteen years, has (been headmaster of -the Afaraetiahn School. After an excellent dinner had been partaken of, a toast- list was honored. In proposing the toast of “Our Guest,” Mr. AV.i/llson spoke of the high esteem >in which' Air .-ad Airs. Faram were held, ami on behalf of the residents presented Air. Faram with a gold watch and locket, and to -AT-rs. Faram a gold bracelet and gold dagger brooch studded with pearls land rubies, •nul fropi the children of the Afaraet.aha School a silver pickle jar and fork, and some very pretty native kits, etc. -Air. Faram feelingly replied, thanking the residents on bob if f of Airs. Faram -and himself for the kind words expressed, and for their kindness to him during the sixteen years he had spent -in the district. Other -toasts honored were : “The School Committee,” “The new Headmaster, Air D. Adamson.” “The Natives of Aluriwai,” “The Visitors,” and “The Hostess.” _ During the evening songs wore given by Messrs Huson. AVatts, -and H. DeCosta, /and ■ i recitation was given by (Air, J. Pettio.