FAREWELL SOCIAL.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 16 April 1919, Page 2

FAREWELL SOCIAL.

PRESENTATION TO REV. H. WHITE A successful, though very hurriedlyarranged, social was held at the Manakau Methodist "Church last night, for the purpose of bidding good-bye to tho Rev. Hedley White, who is abou t to leave the district to take up work at Taumarnnni.

The chair was occupied by Mr Howard Andrew, who mentioned at the outset that tho people of Manukau vrsxe determined that they wouU not allow Mr White to depart from the district without showing their appreciation of his. work in their midst. Owing to the licensing referendum campaign engaging their attention during the past few weeks, and the Easter holidays coming on, the arrangements for the social had been made very hurriedly, and another important gathering that evening had prevented many from attending. Mr Andrew referred specially to- Mr ■White's zeal in the recent licensing poll campaign,aud spoke most eulogistic-ally ! of his herculean work in the southern part of tho Otaki electorate. Seeing the difficulties he had met with, he had done wonders, and Mr Andrew said he thought, it spoke volumes for ,Mr White's work that the southern end of the electorate had done so well at tho recent poll. Mr Andrew also said that Mr'White had rendered splendid assistance in. connection with the erection of the new church at Manakau, in which work he had been indefatigable. Mr Frank Penn, as circuit steward, paid a tribute to the all-round I ( work done by Mr White during his three years' ministry in the district, and said Mr White had worked hard in

all departments of church work—in the pulpit, in pastoral work, and as an organiser. He had never spared himself, and had won golden opinions from all. They would all miss Mr White very much, and wished hint long life and continued success in his future sphcro of labours.

On behalf of the Manakau friends, Mr Andrew presented Rev. White with a very handsome cider down quilt, which had been secured mainly through tho efforts of the Manakau Ladies' Guild members. Mr Andrew wished Mr and Mrs While all happiness and prosperity, and assured them they would carry away the heartiest best wishes of the Manakau people. Rev. Hedley White, in reply, said that, though a Methodist minister, ho had not got quite used to moving froai, place to place, and would feel tho wrench in going from this district, where he had met with nothing but kindness from the people. He h;id dono nothing but his duty; in fact, he real-, iscd full well that he had often fallen}.^

short of his duty, and thanked thcnifur their oversight of his shortcomings. It was very pleasing to know that ho would leave behind many friends in Maaakau, and he thanked them all for their co-operation. With regard to the Manakau church, he was very proud of the handsome edifice they had erected there, for which he took no credit himself. Referring to Prohibition work, Mr White said ho had been wry pleased that the Otaki electorate hod dono so well at the recent poll, and pointed out that Otaki's progress fOlaki booth) showed an improvement of SO per cent compared with the preceding poll. Rev. Mr White said he was very pleased to know that the circuit was io have such an able man as Rev. Slado to succeed him. They would find Mr feladc a first-class minister, and a zealous Prohibitionist also. The speaker said he realised that the past few years had not been helpful to successful church work, and ho regretted that he ccrjld not leave a better recorj behind in the district. However, now that tho war was over, he trusted there would be a better opportunity for work for tho Master. He heartily thanked them" for their kind words and generous gift. During tho evening songs were rendered by Mesdarae* Les. Atkins, T. Clifford, Miss Robinson, vocal duets byMrs Andrew a*d Miss Robinson, and a recitation by Mr Penn.

Supper was served in good style, and the gathering closed with the tinging' of "God be with you till we meet again." • • ■'.':■>