VALEDICTORY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4549, 11 April 1923, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

REV. W. J. ENTICOTT. The Centenary Hall was well filled on Monday evening, the occasion being a farewell evening to Mr and Mrs Entipott, who are leaving shortly for the King Country. Mr W. Marshall presided over a representative gathering. An apology for absence was received from Mr E. W. Porritt, chairman of the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce. The gathering was representative of citizens of Paeroa an! cljnrch members. '.Mr Hanna, president of the Beautifying Society, said he was there with mixed feelings. He genuinely regretted the departure of Mr Enticott, one of-the most energetic and enthusiastic members of the society. There was no doubt that such efforts as had been achieved by the society were due to Mr Enticott’s enterprise and hard work. The speaker said that as a man, as well as a parson, Mr Enticott had proved himself a loyal helper, full of unbounded enterprise and enthusiasm. On behalf of the Beautifying Society he wished Mr Enticott, his wife and family, all happiness and success ill the future in their new sphere. . ?Thc Rev. F. B. Dobson said he had been in Paeroa seven years now, and hp could not. help commenting on the number of changes there had been among the clergy of the town. H w?s gratifying to know that Mr. Enticd’tf had been amongst the people of Paeroa longer than the previous Methodist clergymen. The speaks.' referred briefly to Mr Enticott’s sterling work among the, young people of Paeroa, especially in Sunday School work. Mr Enticott had acted as a stimulus to the .children and the cfiurch folk generally. : Tn conclusion Mj- Dobson wished Mr Enticott, his wife, and family God speed, in their new labours, which, the speaker added, he had mo doubt whatever would bear forth fruit. /The Rev. Morgan said he desired to thank the Methodist people for giving him the opportunity of adding his quota of good wishes and God speed to their departing guest. He said he was pleased to represent the local Presbyterian Church. He had heard of the great work done by Mr Enticott for the benefit of the town as well as his successful mission in the Church. The speakei- said Mr anil Mrs Enticott had done great work in; the town, and well might they feel proud of the results. He wished them health and happiness In their new sphere, and trusted God’s blessing would rest on them and prosper their labours.

On behalf of the members of the Methodist. Church Mr Marshall said he. wished to thahk all the friends who had come along and assisted in' farewelling their guests. The kind words., spoken by the previous speakers were very cheering and-encourag-ing. Mr Enticott had been with them nearly four, years. Prior to the arrival of Mr Enticott, said Mr Marshall, Paeroa, was only a home mission station, and it was with a feeling Of responsibility that the congregation viewed the coming of their minister. M>< Enticott very quickly made matters easy for all by his genuine good fellowship and sterling .character. During Mr Enticott’s stay in Paeroa. it had not been plain sailing the whole time. As was,usual, there had been difficulties and differences, but, fortunately, human nature had the happy faculty of only remembering the good times. Among the improvements manifested during Mr Endicott’s term was the extension of the church work on the Hauraki Plains. Mr 'Marshall briefly enumerated the advancement made in Methodism bv Mr Enticott. In conclusion, the speaker said it was the wish of the congregation that Mr and Mrs Enticott’s new mission would be blessed with fruition, and that even greater results wpuld be achieved in the King Country. Mr Marshall, in handing Mrs Enticott. a piece of pla f e, and Mr Enticott a gold pencil, feelingly offer ed the recipients the congregation's heartfelt thanks and earnest good wishes for the future. Mr Enticott, on rising to reply, was greeted with prolonged applause. He said he wished to acknowledge th? many kindnesses and general cooperation he had met with from the congregatipn. He especially wished to thank Mr Hanna and the other speakers for their kind and cheery remarks. Anything he had done in the way of helping to beautify the town had been a pleasure. He contended that Paeroa was going to be a big place, a place of more standing and importance, in the near future. Mr Enticott asked the Church members to dp their best to offer their love, prayers, and co-operation to his successor, Mr Jefferson, and he trusted that the same support would be accorded the new minister. Mr Enticott gratefully thanked the members of the choir for their efforts in brightening up the church services. Their efforts had often been an inspiration to the speaker during his mission. He briefly thanked the Church members on behalf of himself and Mrs -Enticott for the presentations made and kind wishe-' expressed. He was looking forward to the time when he would ■ be able to come back and act as min ister in their midst again. A most enjoyable musical programme was submitted during the evening, after which a dainty supper was served by the lady members of the Church. f v