VALEDICTORY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1071, 18 November 1911, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

SOCIAL AND PRESENTA TIONS.

The Presbyterian Hall was filled last night by members and adherents of the Presbyterian Church and representatives of other churches, to bid farewell to the Rev. Mr Aitken who has accepted a call to the Methven Church, Canterbury, for which place he leaves F’oxlon on Tuesday next. Mr Hornblow presided, with him on the platform were the departing minister, his Worship the Mayor (G. H. Sines, Esq.), Mr Alex. Speirs, and the Rev Mr Coatsworth (Methodist). The proceedings opened with prayer by the Rev. Aitken. Apologies were tendered lor the absence of ministers of sister churches, ami representatives from other centies of the Foxton charge, owing to the very inclement weather. A very enjoyable programme of vocal items was contributed by Mr and Mrs Henderson (Palmerston N.), Mesdames Patterson and Wrigley, Misses Signall, Aitken and Messrs Buglass, Yates and Claris. Mr John Speirs, superintendent of the Sunday School, on behalf of the teachers and scholars, presented Miss Aitken with a handsome gold brooch set with jewels and a cut glass scent-bottle and in doing so expressed the regret the donors felt at losing the services of such a valuable and painstaking assistant. He spoke of the high esteem in which Miss Aitken was held and hoped that tie small token of regard would remind her of the friends she was leaving behind. The recipient was accorded an ovation, and in a very neat speech feelingly thanked the donors. Her work in connection with the school had been a pleasure, and had been heiplul to her. She would carry away with her very pleasaut memories ot her connection with the Foxton Presbyterian Sunday School. Mr Wrigley, choir-master, on behalf of the choir also presented Miss Aitken with a silver manicure set, :>n ! r .-d to the good services .ma rendered to the church as a member of the choir, and the loss the choir would sustain through her departure. Mr Hornblow, on behalf of the Ladies’ Social Guild, said the members of this important body were not going to allow their president to depart without in some way marking the esteem in which she is held by them all. He referred to the excellent results of the guild both from a social and material point of view. In an institution ot this nature much depended upon the diplomacy and Christian character of the leader aud in this connection Mis Aitken had filled the bill aud to this, more than anything else, was the success of the guild attributable. Mrs Ailken had won a place in the affection of the cougi egaliou which time alone would efface. She would carry away with her the very best wishes for her future welfare. Mrs Ailken, brielly and suitably acknowledged the token —-a handsome Maltese scarf.

Mr Alex. Speirs, an elder of the church, and, excepting Miss Duncan, the oldest member, then presented a purse of sovereigns to Mr Aitkeu from members and adherents throughout the charge. In doing so he referred to the progress the church had made during Mr Aitkeu’s ministry and to the fact that it had now been raised to a fully sanctioned charge. He referred to the good work done by Mr Ailken in the various centres and the activity of church lile. Mr Ailken must not look upon the purse wages lor services lendeie.., as the gift had been prompted by very different feelings. He regretted Mr Aitken’s departure ami said there had not been anything of an unpleasant nature between the managers and minister during Mr Aitken’s ministry. He hoped his ministry in Methven would be abundantly blessed. He then handed a well-filled purse to Mr Aitkeu amidst loud applause. Mr Aitkeu, in reply, said the success which had attended his ministry was due in a great measure to the hearty co-operation he had received from the office bearers and members, and particularly to the liberality of Mr Speirs (applause). Many changes had taken place during his pastorate, and there had been removals by death and transfer. Still he was pleased to say that the church was in a prosperous condition. He thought only a small part had been done ot what would be accomplished in the futnie. If be had been 20 years younger no other charge would have attracted him, but the work of such a large district was very strenuous, and latterly he lelt he was not so strong as previously. This wa; his sole reason for accepting a change. At Methven the out stations were not far from the centre. He ielt be should give place here to a more competent man, and he hoped Iris successor would be one of the best men available to take up the work where he was now laying it down. He hoped they would rally round their new minister so that he would feel he was among living souls. He appreciated the many kindnesses and assistance accorded him and be hoped they would even do better by his successor. Ret him feel that he is coming among friends. He was not insensible to the handsome gilt, but he treasured more the pleasant memories ol his work here. He had never experienced the slightest difference with the office bearers among whom there had been no Iriction. He hoped to come and see them again at no distant dale. He thanked them all for the kindnesses extended to his wife and daughter. He had

formed friendships here which would last throughout life. He ' nrayed that God’s richest blessing would he upon them all. The Rev Curts worth spoke feelinglv of his connection itli Mr Ailken, and wished him Godspeed in his new sphere of labour. The Mayor referred to Mr Ailken as a good citizen, whose loss would be keenly fell in the community. Mr Ailken was a splendid type of Christian minister, .straightforward, manly and courageous. He had often thought that the area of country he had to cover was too large, and he was pleased to know that his labours at Methven would not be so strenuous so far as travelling is concerned. He endorsed the remarks of the other speakers, and paid a glowing tribute to the good qualities of Mrs Aitken. The Chairman also spoke.

Refreshments were handed round by a willing band of helpers, and the gathering was brought to a close by the pronouncing of the benediction.