COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL TO FAREWELL SISTER GLADYS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 192, 31 August 1937, Page 5

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL TO FAREWELL SISTER GLADYS

A coinplimentary social afternoon to farewell Sister Gladys, of the Presbyterian Chureli, who is leaving for Auckland, was held yesterday in the Wesley Hall, Hastings. The Mayoress of Hastings, Mrs G. A. Maddison, presided over a large gathering, for which members of the Women 'a Christian Temperance Union acted as hostesses. Represeutatives of all denominations were present to bear testimony to Sister Gladys 's popularity. The hall was prettily decorated with spring flowers. On the raised platform sat Mrs Maddison, supported by Mrs Wilson, president of the Women 's Christian Tomperanco Union, and. Sister Gladys. Mrs Maddison expressed appreciation at being invited to occupy the chair, for she felt that by doing sb she was showing that not only the Presbyterian congregation, but every section of the community^ regretted Sister Gladys 's departure. At all timcs Sister Gladys had given of her best. She had carried into the homes she vis|^d her liappy smile and cheerful words. As a member of the Mayor of Hastings 's Relief Committee ever since she had come to Hastings, Sister Gladys had been always ready to respond to any calls made upon her. Her departure would be regretted, but the people of Hastings would wish her well wherever she vvent, knowing that she would be carrying on the wonderful work she had begun in Hastings. Mrs T. J. Thompson, the oldest member of the Women 's Christian Teinperanco Union, wished Sister Gladys every 6uccesa. All would be sorry to lose her, for she had been a help at every meeting which she had attended. She had been ready to help at all times wherever there was need of her help. Representatives of the Townswomen 's Guild, the Hastings Women 's Community Club, the Presbyterian Guild, the Salvation Army, the Baptist Guild • and the Methodist Guild added their tributes to Sister Gladys. Mrs Wilson, on behalf of the whole gathering, laid particular stress on the work Sister Gladys had done in tno primary schools in teaching Scripture iessons. Sister Gladys, she said, had loved the little children and they had loved her. Her work in the schools had been a pleasure to them and they would niiss her very much. The gathering had been arranged by the Women 's Christian Temperance Union because that body was non-sectarian and was, therefore, able to provide a means by which all the churches could be rcpresented. Sister Gladys said that she was surpnsed to find she had so many friends, and she was grateiul for the pleasant afternoon. She would be sorry to leave Hastings. When first she came to tho town she had been impressed by its beauty, and she had found the people always helpful. She had tried to assist all with whom she had come in contact and to work for the good of the town. The work of the Bible-in-schools moveinent she had loved and she had appreciated tho encouragement of the children and the help given her by their teachers and headmasters. Deaconess Holmes had helped greatly in thip work and had been a great help to her at all times. A musical programme was provided as follows: — Songs., Mrs Marsicano; recitations, Mary Buckingham; songs, Mrs McKain; recitations, Miss Margaret Oampbell; songs, Miss Carlton; recitations, Miss Westerman. Afternoon tea >vas served by the. hostesses. ......