VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3946, 23 May 1929, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

MR. AND MRS. L. BULLARD PARCELLED.

The Methodist school accommodation was taxed to its utmost on Tuesday evening when Mr. and Mrs. L. Bullard were tendered a farewell and 'presentation by the Methodist Chulrch. Included among those present were representatives of other churches, townspeople and meiribers of the local post office staff. The Rev. Mr. Edmondson presided and extended a welcome to those present and Miss Joan Cowley presented Mrs. Bullard with a beautiful bouquet. Mr. John Chrystall, senior steward, was called upon' to express the church’s regret at the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Bullard. In doing so he referred to the excellent services rendered by the l (guests in connection with the church work and their Christian characters. Although they would be separated, the bond of. Christian union would remain and the prayers of the congregation would go up for their future happiness and prosperity. Mr. Bullard’s Christian character was an example to all young alien. His promotion and (removal had been anticipated iby the speaker for some time with mixed feelings, and he hoped that in the future he would return to Foxton to occupy the position of postmaster. (Applause). The Mayor (Mr. Perreau) speaking as a church member, said he realised that Mr. Bullard’s departure would leave a gap which would be dijfficult to fill. As a Foxton boy they were proud of Mr. Bullard and his life and conduct was a fiue tribute to the home life and Christian character of his parents. Mrs. Bullard too, would be greatly missed frota a social point of view. She had been a protaiinent helper in all local social and deserving affairs and her talented vocal efforts were always at the disposal of the public and in this connection she would be greatly missed. Foxton were losing two estimable citizens and on behalf of the public he tendered them best wishes and God-speed and congratulations on well-earned promotion. Mr. Swindlehurst, on behalf of rhe Shannon congregation, paid a tribute to the guests and regretted their departure and wished them the best of ludk.

Mr. Hornblow, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church also endorsed the good wishes expressed by the previous speakers. Mr. Hewett. on behalf of the Methodist congregation, spoke of the whole-hearted and willing services rendered to the church by the guests and conveyed best wishes for their future. 'The Rev. Edmondson then invited Mil-, and Mi’s. Bullard on to the stage and asked their acceptance of a travelling rug and hand bag as a token of esteem from the church, W.'C.T.U., and post office staff. He said that when the postal officials heard that it was the intention of the church to tender a farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Bullard, they asked to join in the function. Mjr. Edmondson then referred particularly to Mr. Bullard’s official connection with the church. He had never met his equal as a mission secretary and he had never slackened in his duty. At times the speaker had been disheartened but Mr. Bullard’s optimistic outlook and efforts had brought forth desired results. Mrs. Bullard’s services in the choir and in other church matters was beyond all praise. He prayed that God would abundantly bless and prosper them in their new home. Mr. J. Newton, postmaster, on behalf of the staff, expressed the regret all felt at Mr. Bullard’s remoral but were pleased at his promotion. He felt he was losing a loyal friend. As an official, Mr. Bullard had discharged his duties in an exemplary manner to the entire satisfaction of both the Department and public. He fully endorsed all the good things said of the guests by the speakers which we're well deserved. On behalf of the post office staff he wished Mr. and Mrs. Bullard every happiness in their new home.

Mrs. Bullard, who was called upon to respond, was accorded a Uattering reception. In a few wellchosen words M]rs. Bullard feelingly thanked the speakers for their kindly expressions. “The call tad come for them to move on and they had to go and that was all there was to it. I thank you all very much,” she concluded amidst renewed applause. Mr. Bullajrd, in responding, sincerely thanked all for their expressions and tokens of esteem. He had not deserved all the kind things said of 'him. As an official of the department he had endeavoured to do his duty. So far as the church wont w:as concerned, this had been a great pleasure to him both at Foxton and Shannon and his only regret was that he had not done more. He had joined the post office service in Foxton 22 years ago and since his return 12 years ago, had been the happiest period of his life. He was sorry :to leave hut it meant promotion. He hoped to get on alright in his new district and would be pleased to see any friends if they were ever up that way. He specially mentioned the regret he felt in parting, with his circle of old age pensioner’s whom it had always been a pleasure to serve. He hoped that all the church folk would assist in keeping the flag flying and that Foxton would continue to prosper.

During the evening much appreciated vocal items were rendered by Mesdames Bullard, Doel, Riches, Miss Chalk, and Messrs Couch, G. .F Smith and J. Ohryatall, recita-

tions hy Miss Stevenson and Mr. Smith, and a vocal duct by Miss Chalk and Mr. Kennerley. Accompaniments were played by Miss Patterson. Apologies for absence were received from the Rev. W. 11. Nicholas and Mr. M. H. Walker. A tasty supper was provided by (lie ladies of the congregation.