VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1559, 3 June 1916, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO MIL AND MRS. STILES. A very pleasing’ ceremony took plaee in the supper-room of the Coronation Hall on Thursday evening, when Mr and Mrs G. H. Stiles and family were tendered a farewell serial by the members and adherents of the local Methodist, Church. The Rev. Rowe, presided. During the evening musical items were rendered by Miss D. Signal, Doris and Vernon Sherratt, Mrs Rowe, Messrs King, Bullard and Sherratt. Accompaniments -were played by

Misses Evans and Signal. Mr Chrystall, at a suitable juncture, referred to his happy associations with Mr Stiles in church work, and expressed his regret at his departure. He referred to the good work which Mr and Mrs Stiles had accomplished and singled out for special comment the spirit of brotherly kindness which characterised Mr Stiles in his dealings with his fellows. When (he Methodist Church farewelled a minister, there was always the compensation of knowing that he would be replaced by another, perhaps a belter. But this did not obtain in the ease of a layman, and in bidding farewell to a man of Mr Stiles' worth and ability one entertained very different feelings. He wished Mr and Mrs Stiles the best of health and the richest blessing of God in their future home.

Mr Huntloy heartily endorsed all that the previous speaker had said. He had been eonneeted with Mr and Mrs Stiles in ehurtdi work for the past nine years, and felt that almost a calamity had befallen the ehureh in their departure. In Sunday school work - , Mr Stiles had been unswerving and unwavering in his duties, and would be seriously missed from that department. He trusted that the move would benefit their "•nests in every possible way. In making 1 a presentation of a handsome clock to Mr Stiles and two pieces of antique ware to Mrs Stiles, the Kev. \V. Howe referred to the general expression of regret which had been voiced at the departure of the guests of the (‘veiling. Mr Stiles had taken a keen and active interest in (he welfare of the town, and had Idled many important positions with credit and ability. Lie bad been a good citizen, but to them he had been more than that. He had been a Christian gentleman and a staunch and loyal Methodist, and the sentiment which had been expressed b\ the church people had Mown the high esteem in which he was l.eld, lie bad been connected with the church for many years, and had contributed largely to its success. Most of the honours of ihe chnreb had been bestowed upon him, and at the present be occupied the positions of circuit steward, secretary of the (rust, and Sunday school teacher. The best (hanks of the church and minister was due to Mr Stiles for the aide maimer in which he had handled the business of ihe church, for his wise counsel and hearty co-operation in every department of church work, in rcreferring to Mrs Stiles, the speaker said he could not speak too highly of her character and services. liSe had been one of his lies! listeners in church worship, and he would miss (lie insjn'ralion of her presence. Mrs Stiles could rest assured that, she had a very warm place iti the hearts of Ihe people, who would ever remember her for her genuine goodness. As a mark of personal esteem and a slight token of appreciation, Mr liowe asked Mr and Mis Stiles to accept the above mentioned gifts from the members and adherents of (heir old church.

Mr Stiles feelingly responded. He said hr had been deeply affected by tb(! manifest kindness of Ihe friends and the expressions of appreciation ami •goodwill of liie speakers. It was no easy task to sever Ids connections with (he church he loved. All his duties, in eonneelion with its life and work had been a real delight, and he would ever be interested in jjs growth and progress. For 1!) years he had been closely associated with the church, and recalled some of his early experiences, paying a tribute to the Rev. Barrett, who ministered in Foxton at tin* time of his arrival. Since then he had made so many friends that were he alone concerned he. would have no desire to move from the place of so many happy memories. But in the interest of his wife and family he had considered a change advisable. JJe referred to (he Valance Trigge mission, which will be held shortly in the local church, and urged those present to seize lire opportunity of .securing the best results of the mission. He was of the opinio;] that if the church members would co-op-erate with the missioner, the church would receive the greatest uplifting in its history. He and Mrs Stiles intended .visiting Foxton to reap some of the advantages of the mission. One of his greatest regrets was in leaving his Sunday school class, as (he boys had won a place in his heart. Fie was most grateful to the speakers for the* very kindly references to Mrs Stiles, who was worthy, of all tlmt had been said of her. No one realised her worth more than he did. He thanked the friends for their gifts, which would he treasured because of the spirit of kindness and love which had prompted them.

Sapper, provided and dispensed by fhe ladies, brought a very pleasing function to a close.