VALEDCTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1922, Page 1

VALEDCTORY

FAREWELL TO MR J. P. WARD. At St. Mary’s Club .Rooms, Stafford Street, last evening there was a very numerous gathering of friends and wellwishers to join in the valedictory gathering tendered to Mr J. P. Ward, assistant Clerk of the Couyt on. .his transfer to ijnyejreargUl. My Ward bad been a prominent member of St. Mary’s Church committee, haying been lion, secretary for some time past, and bad played a prominent part in the effort to raise funds for the handsome Church

in the course of c.ompletionl'' Tiie evening was of a social character, und music end dancing were interspersed. Misses Daly, Gillooly and Gilese supplied the music for the dancing, Vfhile Miss Foster, Messrs Close and Stopfortn contributed vocal items, and

Mr Wormington rendered a recitation. At a break in the entertainment the Revd. Dr Kennedy took the opportunity of addressing the assemblage and on behalf of the Church committee making a presentation to the guest of the evening who was accompanied by his father, Mr B. Ward M.C.C., and other intimate relatives.

Dr .Kennedy spoke in high priiise of Mr Ward’s invaluable services in aiding the Church work. He stated that looking back through the records of their Church he had found the name of

“Ward” written in letters of gold in connection with the whole history of the local Church. Mr James Ward had proved worthy of the name ho bore, and had followed in the footsteps of those who went before him in attending strictly to his duty to the Church. Ho proceeded to speak of the high esteem in which Mr Ward was held, and in that connection read a telegram from

Mr Seddon M. P. congratulating their guest on his promotion and wishing him the success he deserved in following up his profession. Dr Kennedy alluded to the indefatigable work carried out by Mr Ward in all branches of the Church work and said lie took away with Him the. best wishes of them all

- the speaker, the Sisters, and the whole Church community. He felt sure that in his now abode he would continue a faithful and useful worker for the Church where lie would! widen his friendships and further endear himself with those among whom lie foregathered. Dr Kennedy concluded by asking Mr Ward to accept a travelling trunk from the Church committee and from himself a. useful volume of reports dealing with various social problems qf the day. The presentation was made with hearty hand-clapping and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

Mr D. J. Evans was invited to speak and in doing so thanked the Reverend Chairman for the privilege of

joining jn the gathering which was an appreciation qf a sterling office}- and one destiqod to go far in the public service. M r Ward was efficient, kindly and and possessed all the attributes tp make him a very popular p,qfdic officer- In that connection Mr Eyups took the liberty on behalf of the old folk qf the community of thanking Mr fVard for all the kindness and consideration extended to the old people

whose business had taken them tp the court offices.

Mr Grqufsky on hojialf of the Church Committee associated himself with the remarks qf Dr Kennedy ip praise of Mr very useful work on behalf of tiie Ijpjlding fund. Mr Wormington, ;dso, joined in praise of Mr Ward’s many good qualities in connection with the Ijfe of the Church, the social round and in liis public capacity where he was very popular indeed.

Alf. W. Jeffries, County Chairman, who arrived lute from a local body meeting, said as the senior officer qf the Church Committee be held Air Ward in the highest esteem. His work was beyond praise. He was the worthy son of a' worthy sire, and was held in high usteqm by all with "horn he h?ul come in contact. Air Ward’s services to tl Church were of t}ie highest value, and while they naturally regretted Ids departure, they felt sure his going was hut the stopping stone to more useful work elsewhere, and to still further advancement in his profession.

Air -j. I*. Ward, the guest, on rising to respond was received with long applause. Air Ward made an admirable reply to all the good tilings which had been said of him, depreciating the marks of approbation for the reason that in what lie had done he had tried only to do his duty. He lelt he had a duty to his charge and lie had endeavored to do that to the best of his ability. Referi ing to the Church work lie praised lie support and assistance of those outside their own community for

flic liberal help) given, and recognised it was that extr.a assistance which h < enabled .them to carry on the work they had so much at heart. Ho spoke too, of Ids official work as a pleasure where again he had tried only to do his duty. As regards what he might have done for the old people, lie recognised in them that they were the pioneers, those who had helped to make the way easier for those who came after, and the obligation to licjp’was upon him and not them. Air Ward concluded by speaking highly of Dr Kennedy whom he had found most earnest and devout and to whom he owed a personal debt of gratitude for useful guidance and advice. Mr ,1L Ward was called upon to speak and in doing so, on behalf of his wife and family, thanked the assemblage for the honor done “little Jim” that evening. Naturally tlie family appreciated the kind words said, and the appreciation expressed, and he felt that there were others beside 'himself who were regretting his son’s departure. He was glad to heap the remarks in reference to his son’s work for the Church and in connection with the public capacity he had filled in Hokitika. It was very pleasing indeed, that evening and the proceedings which marked it would remain always a memorable occasion with him.

At the conclusion of the speeches, supper was handed round by the Jadies, gnd further dancing followed, the ga-

theri,n£ dispersing njidnight to the strains of “Anld Lang Syne.” Mr route ior Invercargill, carrying with him the best wishes of the commun-

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