A WELCOME

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1929, Page 1

A WELCOME

VISIT OF MODERATOR. The welcome to the’Right Reverend Professor Mewitson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, held last night in St. Andrew’s Hall passed off very successfully. In spite of the rough weather—referred to by one speaker as “Bishop’s weather,’’ a good number turned out, and all thoroughly enjoyed the fare provided by the function. The Rev. J. W. Hayward presided and on the platform in addition to the Moderator, were His Worship the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry), the Rev. Nelson Wright, and Lieut. Baker, of the Salvation Army. Apologies were received from the Hon. H. L. Michel, M.L.C., and the Rev. G. Knowles-Smith. The Mayor extended a welcome on behalf of the citizens and referred to thrill fluonce of the Presbyterian Church in the community and to the solid qualities for which it was known. Tn a happy speech the Rev. Nelson Wright expressed the greetings and good wishes of the Church of England. and Lieut. Baker spoke in similar strain for the Salvation Army. 111 introducing the guest -of the evening the Chairman said P’ofe ; sor Hewitson’s career in New Zealand could be summed up brieflv. He bad been for fifteen years Minister of the' largest Presbyterian Church in Australasia (Knox Church. Dunedin) and then had been for twenty years Master of Knox College. For twenty-one years of that time he had also been convenor of the Foreign Missions Committee of the Church. The Chairman announced that arrangements had been made by the Indies of the P.W.M.TJ. to entertain Mrs Hcwitsom at a social afternoon in St. Andrew’s Hall on Monday, Professor Hovitsqn was received with very hearty applause and aftethanking the Mayor and the other speakers for their kindly words and referring to the interesting experiences of this, his first visit to the Coast, went on to speak upon the subject- of tbe “Remembrance and Keeping of Days,” associated with import a nit events in ,'tho personal, domestic, national anti religious life. The speaker used many both humorous and pathetic and held the close attention of the audience, among whom were a number of young {people, for a full hour. A vote of thanks to Professor Fowitson was moved bv Mr James Murdoch, who said that all wore delight ed to meet the Moderator and to listen to his eloquent and scholarly address. Air W. Policy in seconding said that the points emphasised bv Hie speaker needed pressing home in thes" times. During the evening songs were rendered by Air and All's \. Peu \ and Afis« A. Duff, and also an an them bv the Choir. Mbs Jacobs kitid.lv acting as accompanist. After suppo” bad been served and votes of thank* passed to the performers and to the ladies the proceedings closed with the National Anthem.