VALEDICTORY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4918, 21 December 1925, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL TO REV. BEAUFORT. FUNCTION AT TURUA. A concert and dance to bid farewell to the Rev. J. M. Beaufort; vicar of the Parish of Hauraki Plains, was. held in the Victoria Hall, on Friday evening. There way a big gathering of people. Excellent musical items were contributed by Mrs F. C. Robinson, the Rev. Brooker, Messi's A. Sutton, J. Howarth, and W. Scrymegour, and all were deservedly encored, asi also was a recitation by Mrs L. Young, Speaking of the object of the gathering Mr G. H. White, secretary of the parish, referred to the splendid work done by the Rev. J. M. Beaufort durinb the short time he had been on the Plains. Prior to Mr Beaufort’s appointment the Hauraki Plains was only an outpost, and though it recsived as good treatment as was possible by the'vicar of the larger district there was not the widespread cooperation, zeal, and interest, that wiis now' shown, tlianks, to the efforts of the present vicar. Mr Beaufort was a real live worker who made himself one with the people. It spoke volumes 'for Mr Beaufoi,t’B ministry that his services were always, well attended by men, and particularly young men.

The Rev. Robertshaw, Anglican vicar of Thames, expressed his regret at losing the companionship of Mr Beaufort, who had won his affections as well as those of his own parishioners, The speaker said that he knew Mr Beaufort’s work would have a lasting effect, and that his' successor would be glad that he had to follow such a man as the present vicar. The Rev. Charteris, Presbyterian minister, and the Rev. Brooker,'Methodist minister, Hauraki Plains district, voiced their sorrow at the departure, of their co-worker and expressed their thanks for the courtesy and kindness extended to them.

A presentation was, made ,to Mr Beaufort by Mr .White on behalf of the people of the district of a wallet containing £4l in notes. Mr Beaufort, who w'as deeply moved, thanked the people of the church who had assisted him in his. work, particularly mentioning the vestry, the wardens, the ladies’ guilds, and Mr and Mrs F. Bell. He felt sorry he was leaving, but he felt that the parish needed a change of vicars, and that it would benefit by a man with new idbas. His, successor, the Rev. Averill, was a scholar, a sport,.and a man who understood men. Many .local men had possibly met him when he was serving as an infantry captain in ,the Great War.