VALEDICTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1932, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

REV. G. AND MRS KNOWLES SMITH

The Westland Competitions Society entertained Rev. G. and Mrs Knowles Smith iit afternoon tea at Preston s Rooms yesterday afternoon, prior to their departure from Hokitika- and there was a representative attendance of ladies and gentlemen.

Mr D. J. Evans (President of the Society) presided, and alter aiteinoon tea had been partaken of. he expressed the general regret lolt at the coming departure of the guests. During his six years sojourn in the town Mr Knowles Smith had taken a very active intr--

est in its welfare, and in connection with the Competitions Society had done a large anVmnt of work freely and "'el!, lor winch lie (Mr Evans) desired to personally thank him. which had materially assisted in the success of the Society. Jn other spheres lie had proved a good citizen, and had assisted in many ways. He had specially been instrumental in the formation of St. Paul’s Dramatic Club, and the decided success of that movement was due in no small measure to the one at the head of affairs, who had, as they all knew so well, shown such discrimination and judgment in the selection < T their efforts. Oh behalf of the Society he conveyed their very best wishes for the future and asked acceptance of an envelope expressive of their goodwill and appreciation. Mr Q. A. Perry (Mayor) expressed his regret at the departure of Mr and Mrs Knowles Smith. They had proved worthy citizens and were always ready to assist in any good work for too benefit of the town. They would cariv with them the very best wishes ot the community for the future. Mr A. E. Benjamin. oil behalf “1 the Bowling Club voiced the regret felt by members at the removal from the town of the guests. Mr Knowles Smith had proved himself a good sport, and Mrs Knowles Smith lias attended very regularly, watching the play ana assisting in the social work of the Club. Members regretted their departure and extended every good wish for their future.

Rev. J. W. Knights was glad of the opportunity of expressing his regrets at the departure of the guests. He baa met- them on many occasions and was glad to have had the opportunity of doing so. He appreciated the many go (1 tl actions and the happy manner of Mr Knowle.4 Smith in carrying out his duties. He sincerely regretted his departure from Hokitik.;.. Mr H. DT. Coulsun had many regrets - at the coming departure of their guests. He recognised that Mr Knowles Smith was a true man and he had proved his worth during his stay. here. They knew how hard lie had worked for the Competitions Society and other institutions in which he had shown s"ch assistance ■* and valued interest. Mr and Mrs . Knowles Smith had come and had fitted well into th \ nlace and their efforts during their stay were ful!v appreciated by the c mmuuity. Ho joined in the expressions of goodwill extended. “For they are Jolly Good Fellows” « was sung and then Rev. Knowles Smith rose to reply amidst appluasc. T- He said he desired no thanks for what he had done in connection with the T._ Competitions Society. It had been a labour of love and ho was glad to have • been of some use. He had enjoyed what he had done. It was a great pleasure to have assisted in any way that had helped. H"> thanked the several speakers for their kind references, and assured them a i that he had thoroughly enjoyed his six years’ stay in Hokitika where he had many friends, whose kindness he would ever remember with pie.’.sure. The references to his good lady he appreciated and he assured them that he was very glad if what- little she had done had met with their approval. They would ever remember with pleasure their stay in Hokitika. The singing of the National Anthem concluded a very pleasant function.

AT METHODIST CHURCH.

FAREWELLED BY CONGREGATION. The esteem in which the Rev. and Mrs G. Knowles Smith were held by the congregation of the Methodist ■Church was in evidence last evening when a large number of church members assembled to bid farewell to them prior to their departure for the North Island to-day. Mr G. A. Perry (Mayor) presided over the attendance which included representatives of the Kanieri and Humphreys congregations. The chairman referred at length to the services Mr Knowles Smith had rendered the church at Hokitika, and expressed revret at his departin''’, wishing him and Mrs Knowles Smith health” and prosperity in their future sphere. On behalf of the congregations in the circuit lie presented their guest with an envelope, asking him to accept it wpH ‘■he goodwill of Ids cong> ,,, gat ons. Tribute was also paid by the Revs. G. Naylor (Presbyterian), H. J. W, Knights (Anglican), Captain Abbott ■(Salvation Army), and Mr T. W. Duff, circuit steward. On behalf of the Amateur Dramatic Club. Mr G. Kennedy presented Mr Knowles Smith with an illustrated album containing words of the Chib’s activities. Mr Knowles Smith, replying, feelingly referred to the expression of goodwill that had been made' to him and Mrs -Knowles Smith that evening. He spoke highly of his successor, and asked that he be given the fullest support. During the evening items were contributed by the choir, under the baton of .Mr P. Goodfellow, and also by Misses Duff, C. and A. Lynn, K. Robinson, Evans, Knight and Wylie, and Messrs Gilchrist and Bulpin. At the railway station this morning there was a large gathering of friends who gave Rev. and Mrs Knowles Smith a hearty send off as they left bv the train for Christchurch en route to the North Island.