FAREWELL SOCIAL AND PRESENTATIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3515, 24 July 1926, Page 2

FAREWELL SOCIAL AND PRESENTATIONS.

TO REV. AND MRS McDONALD. A farewell social was tendered to the Rev. F. and Mrs McDonald by the local Presbyterian congregation in the schoolroom last evening. Owing to indisposition Mr. McDonald was unable to be present and the prevailing epidemic prevented the attendance of a number of the congregation. Among those present were the Revs. \Y. 11. Walton (Anglican), S. Peryinan (Methodist) and Captain Stone (Salvation Army), and Mr. Kingston (representing the X.Z. Alliance). The various institutions .connected with the church were also well represented: The Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perrenu) presided and stated that the departure of Mr and Mrs McDonald would be a loss not only to the clmr,eh in which they had laboured so faithfully for the past four years, but to the town. To the speaker Mr. McDonald’s departure was a personal loss. The church would find it difficult to replace Mr. McDonald. The Mayor paid a tribute _ to the good work done by Mrs McDonald among the young people. He regretted the unavoidable absence of Mr. McDonald and wished them both God-speed, and good health in their new sphere of activities in Pahiatua. Mr. J. K. Hornblow (elder) gave a brief outline of the ehurclrs activities in this district from the time of the late Rev. James Duncan’s arrival to the present time. The late Mr. Duncan’s activities extended practically from Otaki to Wanganui. During the Rev. Aitken’s ministry the parish included Foxton, Glen Oroua, Rangiotu, Tiakitahuna and Carnarvon. The outlying portions had been cut off and to-day Foxton stood alone. It rested with the local congregation to say whether it could, in the future, remain self-contained. Pahiatua would afford Mr. McDonald ample scope for his activities and he wished him every success in his new parish. Mr. Hornblow paid a tribute to the departing minister’s work and to Mrs McDonald’s activities in the various church organisations and the Sabbath School. The Rev Peryinan referred to liis association with Mr. McDonald in combined church work and said/ there was not a finer preacher in the Presbyterian Church to-day than Mr. McDonald. He wished him Good speed and every blessing in his new parish. The Rev. W. 11. Walton spoke similarly and said Foxton would suffer a great loss in Mi'. McDonald’s departure. He hoped that the Pahiatua people would give him that love, help and sympathy which was essential to the work of a minister. Foxton’s loss would be Pahiatua’s gain. He hoped that the charge would be beneficial to the health of Mr. and Mrs McDonald, and that God’s blessing would rest upon their labours.

Captain Stone also paid a tribute to Mr. and Mrs McDonald, and said he felt sure that Mr McDonald’s joy of service would far outAveigh all difficulties ahead. Mr. Kingston, speaking on be-

half of the N.Z. Alliance, mentioned the opinion that Mr. McDonald’s presence and help in Pahiatua would turn the tide in favour of prohibition in that electorate. Mr. McMurray, speaking on behalf of the managers, eulogised Mr. McDonald’s work. He stood out as a great thinker, preacher and Im-

perialist. I-lis influence in the com-

muuily hud also assisted Foxton’s civic welfare. The results of his labour would be apparent long after his departure. Mr. McDonald had given of his best and all would wish him success in the future.

Mrs John Ross, on behalf of tlie Ladies’ Guild, presented Mrs McDonald with a handsome toilet set. Miss L. McEwen on behalf of the

ible Glass presented "Mrs McDon-

aid with a vase and Mi'. John Ross, on behalf of the congregation asked Mrs McDonald to accept on behalf: of her husband a barometer. There was aiso a token of esteem from the Sabbath school children. The gifts were accompanied with musical honours.

Mrs McDonald, in acknowledg-

ing the gifts and kind expressions, said that she had spent a happy time in the church’s activities to which she referred and in connection with which there had not been a

jarring note. Mr. Mo Murray spoke on behalf of Mr. McDonald. ‘ During the evening very acceptable items were given by Misses Sallierlv, Honsen (Palmerston N.),

Downes, Killock (Palmerston N.), Marlin, Hoffman and Messrs Pullen and Kingston (Palmerston N.). Accompaniments were played by Mesdames King,stone, Downes and Miss K. Roore. Votes of thanks were accorded the performers and chairman and a tasty supper was handed round under the supervision of Mrs John Ross.