FAREWELL SOCIAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 387, 10 March 1908, Page 3

FAREWELL SOCIAL.

To Rev. J. and Mrs Southern.

Jn the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom last: night, a farewell social was tendered to the Rev. and Mrs Southern, on the eve 1 of their departure for the West Coast. There was a large assemblage present, including Moutoa representatives and others from the various surrounding districts, besides a good muster of Foxtonian?, which was evidence, in itself, of the high esteem in which the rev. gentleman and his wife are held by the community. Mr G. Stiles presided over the gathering, and opened the proceedings by briefly stating the purpose for which they had all met, viz., to say good bye to the departing minister and Southern, and a short programme had been arranged. The first item rendered was a selection by Mr Berthold’s well-trained orchestra, which was loudly applauded by the appreciative audience; song “Dream of Paradise,’’ by Miss Aitkeu, with Miss Furrie as accompanist, was also well received ; other contributors to the programme were: Miss Thomson, recitation, “The Death Roll”; Mr Moorman, flute solo ; humorous leading by Miss N. Waldmann; song by Mr Sheratt, “A Soldier and a Man”; recitation by Mr Alex. Saunders, “ Bairnies Cuddle Doon ” ; song by Mr Bullard, “Eventide.” At this juncture, the Chairman (Mr Stiles) expressed regret at the unavoidable absence ot the Rev. G. K. Aitken, who had always shown deep sympathy with the Methodist Church, and who had proved a kind and willing helper on more than one occasion at functions in connection with their church. The speaker alluded, in high praise, to the good work which had been accomplished by the Rev. Mr and Mrs Southern, during their two years’ stay in Foxton. Mr Stiles then called on the Rev. Mr Southern to speak on behalf of himself and wife. In a brief, but appropriate farewell address, Mr Southern eulogised the treatment meted out to him and his better half by their many Christian friends and church workers, in and around Foxton, during their sojourn in this district, and expressed a hope that they, one and all, would rally round his successor, the Rev. Mr Mairs. Refreshments were then handed round, after which the doxology was.sung by the company, and the Rev. Southern concluded by offering prayer. The gathering then dispersed, unanimous in wishing Mr and Mrs Southern God speed and prosperity in their new sphere of labour.