Garden Party and Farewall to Rev. W. Harris.

Manawatu Herald, 25 February 1905, Page 2

Garden Party and Farewall to Rev. W. Harris.

The Garden Party held in Mr M. "Walker's grounds on Wednesday afternoon proved a decided success, a large gathering being present. The occasion was made a dual one, the opportunity being given to friends to say farewell to the Rev. W. Harris, who, after a period of four years service in Foxton is about to retire from the Ministry. Many were the expressions of esteem and regret at his departure, for besides being a very able preacher, he was regarded highly as a man.

The afternoon was spent in various games, viz., croquet, cricket, quoits, rounders, and skipping. A married ladies’ race, prizes -51 b and 21b boxes of tea, presented by Mr W. Harris, junr., and Mr R. Hickson, was won by Mrs Stiles and Mrs Newstubbs respectively. A skipping competition for children was won by Miss H. Young, and Miss Emma Alzdorf second; prizes, silver and china butter dish, and silver and china pepper box, both prizes being presented by Mr and Mrs Walker.

Mr R. Hickson won a cruet stand, given by Mr Walker, for shooting. After a very sumptuous tea on the lawn, the Rev. Harris and Mrs Harris were the recipients of very valuable presents. In presenting Mr Harris with a massive-electro plate ink stand and pen, Mr G. H. Stiles spoke of tho esteem in which Mr Harris was held by the congregation, and he trusted that this memento would remind him in the years to come of the many friends he had left behind him, and he also wished Mr and Mrs Harris long life and happiness in the society of each other. Mr G. Simpson (Mayor) in a happy speech, presented Mrs Harris with a beautiful gold muff chain on behalf of the ladies; in doing so he specially mentioned the work that hid been accomplished by Mrs Harris for the Ladies’ Guild, and this had resulted in perfect harmony between them.

The Rev, Harris, in responding on behalf of himself and wife, thanked them for their quite unexpected gifts, and assured them he would treasure these tokens very highly, and in conclusion wished the Church continued prosperity under their new Minister.

Before the party broke up a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr and Mrs Walker for providing them that afternoon with such a treat, the funds of the Church being augmented considerably thereby.