MANAIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 July 1924, Page 8

MANAIA.

(From Qur Own Correspondent.) FAREWELL FUNCTION. There was a very large gathering of residents of Manaia and district at the Manaia. Town Hall • last AYednesday night to hid farewellto- Mr. and Mrs. Collier and family, Who are leaving Manaia to reside in Auckland. Mr. Collier has been oyer eight years postmaster at Manaia, and is now retiring from the postal setvice after faithfully carrying out his duties for forty years. Mrs. Collier was always to- the front to assist any function in connection with the welfare of the town, and did splendid service during the 1918 epidemic. The stage was very tastefully decorated for the occasion. The function was a pronounced success. A capital supper vrns provided by the ladies and the tables w-ere- beautifully decorated. The floor was good and capital music was supplied by Cosgrove’s orchestra. Messrs. E. Massey’, L. AValters, S. Blair and K. Murray ably fulfilled the duties of M.C/s. Extras were- played by Misses Long, C. Arine, M. Cook, Mrs. P.. F. Hammonds and Mr. Abbott.

During the evening Mr. J. J. Meldon (chairman of the Town Board) on behalf of the guests’ many friends, made a presentation to' Mr. Collier of a massive barometer, Mrs. Collier a gold wristlet watch, Miss A. Collier a gold Bangle, and Miss B. Collier a gold pendant. . The speaker said that they had gathered that evening to do honour to the parting guests, and they w-ere indeed very sorry to lose such good citizens and friends. Mr. Collier, who is retiring from the postal-: service after forty years, had a splendid record, and since being postmaster at Manaia for over eight years he had faithfully carried out his duties and was a most courteous and obliging officer. He was now- going to- enjoy a well-earned retirement. ■ • Fii speaking of Mrs. Collier, Mr. Meldon said that she had always placed her services, at the disposal of the public in working for any function to benefit Manaia, and spoke of her good W’ork during the 1918 epidemic. Mrs. Collier took a great interest in all social matters, and each -annual returned soldiers’ ball she coached the children for their fancy dress dances. She will be much missed by the children. He expressed sincere regret n.t the departure of their guests, and wished them on behalf of the citizens of Manaia and district- long life and every happiness in their new home. He then made the presentations. Mr. S. Greaves, president of the Manaia. returned soldiers, on their behalf presented Mrs. Collier with a silver cake dish, a spoke of the splendid services she had rendered to the returned soldiers at Manaia. and expressed deep regret- at her departure; also Mr. Collier and family. “For They arfe Jolly Good Fellows’' was then heartily sung by all present. Mr. Collier, on behalf of Mrs. Collier, family and self said that before saying good-bye he could not thank them enough for the very nice farewell given them, and for the good wishes expressed by the speakers on their behalf and for the handsome presents. He specially thanked the citizens, councillors and commissioners of the Manaia Tow'll Board for their good feeling and co-operation during his term of office in Manaia. He regretted very much leaving Manaia and their many friends, and referred to his forty years’ service. The family and he himself would cherish the handsome presents given them, which- would act as a souvenir to remind them of their many friends at Manaia and of the good wishes, w r hich he valued even more than the nice presents.

Mrs. Collier returned thanks to the returned soldiers for their good wishes and nice present. She always took a keen interest in the Diggers, and would always do so. A capital programme was submitted during the evening between the dances, consisting of pianoforte solo by Miss M. Cook; songs, Mr. Cotterill and Miss C. Arine; song in character, Master K. Davis; double hornpipe, Misses L. Berry and C. Duncan; recitation, Mr Forester, song, Mr. Gardiner. Every item _ w'as encored. Great credit is certainly due to the ladies’ committee lor their splendid efforts in connection wuth the farewell; also the men’s committee and the (Mr P F Hammonds). The function broke up at 1 a.m. with all present singing “Auld Lang Svne. The accompaniments were played by Hjisses M. Long, K Cosgrove Mrs P. F. Hammonds, ami Messrs. C. Abbott and Cotterill.

MANAJLA PESJ3YTEIUAN CHURCH FGRTJ ETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. Splendid weather favoured the observance of the above celebrations last week, and there were large gatherings both afternoon and evening' in the Town Hall. The. proceedings commenced with. Divine worship at 2.80 p.m. The Rev. J. D. Smith presided and the service of pi'aise was led by the Betts family orchestra. The Rev. R. E. Evans delivered a forceful address from the text, Bent. 8,2: “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord they God hath led thee these forty years.’’ He congratulated the congregation on the attainment of its fortieth anniversary, and reminded them ot what these years represented in the wav of ethical and spiritual uplift. They should rememebr the good Hand of God upon them, because the great achievements of . the past strengthened hope for the future. The pioneers had laboured sacrificially in spite of many and many advances had . been ' made. : Great material prosperity had come, and, in addition, a new outlook in church life and mission enterprise. He urged that while they looked back with grateful remembrance they should not be content to rest on the achievements of the past, but go forward to the new tasks that faced the church with ever greater and enthusiasm. Adoptin o- the personal note, the preacher impressed upon office bearers, workers and members the need of making an adequate contribution to the life of the church They were never meant to be mere listeners. He congratulated the church in Manaia. and prayed the blessing of God on all her activities in the days to come.

At the conclusion of the service an opportunity was given of meeting old friends. A large number of old members and friends of the congregation had come from a distance, and they ivcrc kept busy exchanging reminiscences of bygone days. With appetites sharpened by the appioaeh ol a Irosty night, the company (ltd ample justice to the banquet prepared by the ladies of the congregation, and several sittings were required before room could be found for all who were there. Jliore was a still larger attendance at the evening mooting. The Rev F J. Dabounio, the Moderator of ‘the laranaki Presbytery, conveyed the telicitalions ol the other churches of the

province, and urged the. present generation to continue and add to the good work that had already been done. Mr. T. A. Bridge, the cession clerk, gave an interesting resume of the history of the church. Many of the older members were greatly interested to hear the names of leaders of another generation coming in in connection with the outstanding events of the congregational life. Sutherland, Glenn, Rainie are perpetuated as the names of roads, but many others were recalled. A vote of thanks was earned by acclamation for Mr. Bridge’s painstaking research and surve3'. The following contributed to the programme : Songs, Mrs. Douglass, Mr Forrester, Mr. B .Badland and Rev. J. D. Smith ; duets, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. limes and Miss B. Bridge; piano solo, Miss Cook ; recitation, Mr’ Forrester, Mr. B. Badland and ReV. J. D. .Smith conducted aAhearty and humorous “community sing’’ of Scotch and other songs. Apologies for non-attendance were received from a- number of friends including Revs. A. C. Swainson, C. Roberts, B. J. Orange and J. AV. McKenzie. A hearty vote of thanks w'as carried to the ladies for their untiring labours in supplying the tea and supper. Altogether ai most enjoyable and entertaining celebration was held, and members are now looking forward to the jubilee ten years hence.