ROSS NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1920, Page 4

ROSS NEWS.

(Our Own Correspondent.)

A very successful function was.held, last Friday evening, the occasion being a farewell to Rev W. B. Browning who has been the Minister in charge of the Ross Presbyterian Church for the past three years and who has now been transferred to the Totara Flat district. The function took the form of a social which was very largely attended, not only by members of the Church, but by other denominations as well.

At an interval during the social, Mr De Bnkker (Chairman of the Church Committee), took the opportunity of making a short address in connection with Mr Browning’s departure. Mr De Bakker speaking on behalf of the Church, regretted very much that their Minister’s term of office had expired, and that he was about to be transferred to anoher district. During his stay in Ross Mr Browning had not only done good work in connection with Church matters ,but lie had proved him. self a good and useful citizen also. His congregation would miss him, especially the younger people with whom Mr Browning was exceedingly popular. Ho wished Mr and Mrs Browning every success in their new locale. Mr Do Bakker then asked Mr ©rpwning’s acceptance of a substantial cheque contributed by his many friends. Mr T. Moye said lie would like to back up the statements made by the Chairman, although he did not belong to Mr Browning’s flock. He had had many conversations with him and appreciated the good work lie had done in the district. He was sure Mr Browning had done his best for the social welfore of the citizens as did also Mrs Browning. He wished them both a long, happy and useful career. Mr Browning feelingly returned thanks to the speakers for their kind remarks and to bis many friends for their handsome present. He also thanked the large gathering, and especially those outside bis Church for the honour they bestowed upon him that evening. Ho was sorry to leave Ross where he had spent a happy three years, but as' lie was not going far away lie hoped to meet them all again at intervals in the future.

A dainty supper was then handed round by the ladies, and was much appreciated, after which the social continued.

Tlie following is a list of the items contributed :—Selection, Choir; song, Miss Bella Evans; song, Mrs Muir; recitation, Miss Thelma Hahn; duet, Misses P. Chalmers and E. Hahn; recitation, Mr B. De Bakker; song, Miss May Muir; song, Mr Browning; recitation, Mrs Muir; duet, Misses .0. Chalmers and E. Halin; song, five girls; song, Miss Bei'gmann; song, Miss B. Evans; song, Mrs Chapman; selection, Choir; recitation, Mr P. Orr; song, Mr Browning; recitation, Mr T. Move. A very pleasant evening was brought to a close by singing a verse of “God Bo With You Till We Meet Again.”