VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1921, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

A NOTABLE TRIBUTE. The church folk of . All Saints’ reinforced by a. representative gathering of citizens paid a notable tribute to Reverend Dr. J. E. Holloway, vicar of the Anglican Church, last night when there was a crowded attendance at the school room to farewell Mr and Mrs Holloway on the eve of their departure for the Nelson district, where Dr ©Holloway is to take a. health rest. Among those present were the church wardens and officers of the Church, .the Mayor of Hokitika (Air G. Perry), the County Chairman of Westland, (Mr 71. A. Murdoch) Revd. P. B. Fraser (Presbyterian Church), Revd. Jack (Methodist Church), several leading citizens, including members of other Church committees, and visitors from the surrounding country districts adherent to the Anglican Church, including representatives of the Native race from Arahura. The evening’s programme included a short entertainment, when items were rendered by the following; vocal solos, Miss Edna Perry, Miss Stapleton; Messrs T.ovat and Stuart; vocal quartette, Misses D. Lloyd and Stapleton, Messrs T.ovat and Ward; musical monologue, Mr Coulson; pianoforte duet, Misses Galbraith and Davies; instrumental trio, Mrs Withers (piano), Messrs Gibbons (flute), Ross (cornet). All the performers were well received and every number heartily applauded. At the invitation of Revd. Purchas, the vicar-elect for Hokitika parish, the Mayor addressed the mooting on behalf of the townspeople. Mr Perry said lie was glad of the privilege of taking part in the gathering, because during his stay with them, Dr. Holloway had endeared himself to the people as a whole, and had won tlie.ir respect and esteem. Tho town might well lie proud of Dr Holloway also because of his eminent scientific attainments, and their pastor had earned great credit for his scientific research work. In the quiet way ho had, Dr Holloway had been a great influence for good in the town, ami now that lie was leaving they could recall his merit and ability with every pleasure and satisfaction. On behalf of the people of Hokitika he had very great pleasure indeed in extending good wishes to Mr and Mrs Holloway and their family, and wishing all health and happinaess wherever they might go. The County Chairman who was the following speaker, made a humorous reference to the circumstances under which he, one without the fold, was present that evening. But he felt it was a pleasure and an honor to join with them in co-operating with the parishioners to honor one to whom honour was due. Hokitika was proud of Dr Holloway, the scientist, just as Nelson was proud of Professor Rutherford, the scientist. Ho tribntod Dr Holloway’s research work, and predicted greater renown, all of which would be reflected in Hokitika, and in the time to come they would all be proud to own they had known the Doctor. Mr Murdoch went on to speak of Dr Holloway’s quiet benevolence and philanthrophy, and tho good work he had ever done among the people ns a whole. The speaker concluded a very pleasant address with hearty and sincere expressions of good will to the Holloway family, the record of which made them all so proud. The Revd Purchas stated lie could not let the occasion pass without expressing to the representatives of tho citizens, the thanks of the church people for their attendance that evening and their invaluable assistance in helping to do worthy honor to Dr Holloway. Personally he had grateful feelings to Dr and Mrs Holloway from the very moment of his own, advent to the district. They had been most kind and helpful, and he was parting with the very best of friends and co-workers.

.Mr A. M. Keller, churchwarden, apologised for tlic absence of Hon. H. L. Michel, absent ip Auckland, and' on behalf of the officers and parishiom is tendered to Dr Holloway their respectful appreciation of his untiring labours in and about, the parish. Their pastor had carried out his duties untiring 1 v, and had performed loyal services throughout his extended district ranging from CTtira south. Nearer home there was Dr Holloway’s work in establishing the hostel, the very fine work he had done in the Church and about the Sunday School. They had also to appreciate his special efforts in connection with their new edifice, The war memorial church, for which £2,000 were now in sight. Thely all felt proud that as a result of the vicar’s labour in the vineyard the good fruit was umv blossoming forth. Mr Keller praised the help and assistance Dr Hollo.vav had received from his good wife, and on behalf of the people extended a welcome to Revd. Purclias as the incoming vi c ar. Mr Purchas was being appointed at the request of the Church Committee. and in him they had.a link with the past, for their beloved Archdeacon Harper who founded tlie Anglican Church in Hokitika in IB6i, was the grand uncle of Air Purchas. Tn closing a very appropriate address, Mr Keller extended all good wishes to Dr. Holloway, Airs Holloway and the family to whom lie said an revoir lint not goodbye .

Air AV. D. Mackav of the Church Committee endorsed the admirable remarks of Afr Keller and expressed bis pleasure at seeing so fine an attendance and so excellent a tribute paid to Dr and Airs Holloway. As Church people they were proud of the honor done their pastor, whose work the speaker referred to in appreciative terms. Air Afackay spoke also of Dr. Hollowav’s labors in the country where he was beloved on all sides, and from the people went heartfelt wishes of good will and esteem.

Mr J. B. Ward, lay reader for the Arahura district, by request conveyed, on behalf of the Nature race sentiments '' of affection and esteem to Dr and Mrs Holloway, and appreciaton for their work in the district.

The presentations to Dr Holloway included a substantial cheque from the citizens presented by the Mayor; a well filled wallet from the parishioners for the vicar, and a blouse case for Mrs Holloway; also a valuable envelope from the Arahura community -the gifts being tangible expressions of the good will and great esteem of the donors.

Dr Holloway had a very flattering reception when he rose to reply. He thanked them all for their goodness to him; for their kindness in coming there in such numbers that night to say good-bye; and for the sentiments conveyed to him. He was sorry to leave them, for lie,loved the place and the people. He had to thank the citizens’ representatives for their presence, and particularly he wished to thank Revds Fraser and J[ack for their presence. Personally hej was a retiring citizen—his work kept him fully occupied. He would like to have gone about more with them. It was the duty of all to assist in the welfare of the community. His science work he considered important, second only to his parish work, and he felt constrained to continue it, and would do so in the future Speaking of citizen work lie said he had the greatest respect and admiration for anyone who threw themselves info the welfare work of the town. In Hokitika they had outstanding examples of men and women who did so. There was a fine public spirit about Hokitika, and the town always rose to the occasion on demand They should be thankful indeed they had such leaders—always prepared and willing to lend a helping hand. His own five years in Hokitika had been a happy time, and wherever he went he was made welcome always He was glad Mr Purchas was to succeed him, and lie would have great satisfaction in handing over the parish to Ids chosen successor. During the past 18 months Mr Purchas had been a single-hearted worker and helper. Mr Holloway spoke next of his service in the out districts, where he was always pleased to go. The people everywhere were easy to get on with, and this remark referred also to the folk of the sister churches. The presence of Revds. Eraser and Jack that evening was typical of the spirit abroad. His advice was to go on pulling together. There were talks of unity, and what form of unity they would arrive at was unknown, but they had the unity of charity in Hokitika, and they should keep up that mutual kind feeling one to the other. He concluded with cordial thanks on behalf of Mrs Holloway, tho “kiddies” and himself and specially tendered thanks for their presents. Dr Holloway sat down amid ringing cheers, and to the singing of a verse of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”