VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 November 1925, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL PRESENTATION TO KEY. B. HUTSON. At Si. Andrew’s Hall last night there was a very considerable gathering of Hie Presbyterian Church community and their friends, to assist in a farev.i'll gathering to the Rev. B. Hutson, who lias been acting pastor for the past twelve months while the lievd. |> I’ Fraser has been on leave. Air Hutson is expected to close his Alini.stiv here this week in anticipation of the earls’ return of Mr Fraser, and it was with this in view that last night’s complimentary gathering was arranged. Mr T. E. Dililis. Presbyterian Missionary at Kumara. presided, and had the guest of Hie evening on his right. Those assembled sat at well laden tallies which were well served by the Indies of the Church Community. Air Hiblis announced several apologies, including Revel. Cuttle. Moderator. Revils'. Jack and Perkins. Air •!. Ritchie and others. During the evening these assembled partook ol the refreshments provided, while a musical programme interspersed the several speeches in honour ol the guest. I ln»e who contributed musically were .Misses Davidson and Thompson. Alcsd antes Rowe and I’arkhill. Captain Stein. Messrs ltulpin and B. ('. Adam. \ isitors were present from Ross in the south lo Kumara in the north, the gathering including also a representative attendance of townspeople, including adherents of the Anglican and Methodist Churches and the Salvation A rmy. Several addresses were made m eulogy of the Rovd. Hutson by the Chairman. Air Bruce Adam. Captain Stein. Messrs Follov. Bark and Murdoch. AD Rail; presented the Rcvd. Hutson with a purse of sovereigns. The several speakers were able to refer personally to the good qualities of lho departing guest. Special reference was made to lii< untiring work among the young and to the value of his service in helping lo build up the character of the young people. This was •dressed l>v all the speakers. Mr Hutson. in the course of a reply, spoke feelingly of his coming to Hokitika, and liis stay amongst them, lie loved the work- among the young people, and had been devoted to it over many years. During his stay he liud much help from the church officers, and he appreciated that- help personally. He had striven his best to serve them well, and hi l was glad lo liave fhoir good wishes. The gathering concluded about 10.30 o'clock with the singing of Aiild Lang Sync and the National Anthem, after which Herd. Hutson pronounced tbo Benediction.