PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3701, 8 October 1927, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION,

The final social of the winter series held under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church took place in the school-room last evening. Occasion was also taken to farewell Mr. and Mrs. Downes and to present. them with a token of esteem. There was a good attendance and Mr. ,J. K. Hornblow presided in the unavoidable absence of Mr. W. H. Nicholas. During the evening very acceptable vocal items were contributed by Mesdames Doel, Downes and Messrs D. R. Barron and Downes. A surname guessing competition was won by Mrs. ,T. Thomson. Impromptu speeches by several ladies and gentlemen proved both interesting and amusing. The subject was: “Whether the meeting should favour the nomination of a lady candidate for Parliamentary election?” Those taking part entered the room separately and had the subject for debate read to them. The ladies were not unanimous in support, while the men emphatically supported women representatives. Miss Purnell was adjudged the winner with Mesdames Barron and Wlalker close up. In acknowledging the award Miss Purnell referred to the benefits derived from debating classes with which she had been connected in other centres.

On behalf of the congregation and church organisations, the chairmans presented Mr. and Mrs. Downes with a set of stainless knives, as a token of esteem and referred to the active interest both Mr and Mrs. Downes had taken in church work. He conveyed to them the best wishes of the congregation for their future happiness and prosperity. Messrs John Ross and Barron endorsed the chairman’s remarks. Mr. Downes acknowledged the good wishes and thanked the congregation for the token of their esteem. Those present then accorded Mr. andVMrs. Downes musical honours.

A very tasty supper Avas served by the ladies’ committee and the gathering terminated with the singing of “Auld Lanb Syne” and the National Anthem.