AIROA

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 586, 19 July 1913, Page 5

AIROA

SOCIAL F WELCOME. Own Correspondent. The spacing capacity of the Mairoa school was taxed to ics umost on Tuesday evening last, the function being a welcome social to the new Congregational minister, the Rev. Harold J. Ralph. Mr Ralph is a arrival from England, brought out by the Congregational Union to continue the work in the district that was commenced by the Rev. MrT. Mitchell, and later carried on by the Revs. Potts and Gibson. The gathering was organised by the settlers of the district. Tie ladies provided the usual bountiful supply of refreshments that always add to these functions, a dash of social intercourse that make 3 eveiyone feel at heme. The programme was a varied one of songs and recitations rendered in good style by girls, boys, ladies and gentlemen residing in the district. Speeches of welcome were given by Messrs Chestnut, Dowie and Mitchell. Mr E. H. Buckingham occupied the chair, and during the evening rendered several songs and recitations in his usual effective manner. Mr Buckingham also delivered an address dealing with the excellent work done for many years by the Rev. MiMitchell in laying the foundation of a good work. Tne speaker also paid a tribute to the work accomplished by the Revs Potts, Gibson and others and expressed great pleasure on behalf of the various Christian bodies and settlers of the district generally of extending thefright hand of fellowship and welcomejto the new minister. Mr Ralph briefly thanked one and all for their excellent welcome, stating he had come with no new doctrine or higher criticism, but with the old fashioned gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. The meeting concluded with the Benediction, 'pronounced by the chairman.