FAREWELL TO MRS BLATHWAYT.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 27 August 1919, Page 3

FAREWELL TO MRS BLATHWAYT.

. *- : SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION. Mrs Blathwayt, who is about to leave Otaki for Wellington (Rev. having been appointed vicar of Island Bay parish), has rendered faithful and most efficient services as organist of All Saints' Church for the past seven years.. The parishioners determined not to allow Mrs Blathwayt to leave without some recognition of their appreciation of her good work, -'and a social gathering was held for that purpose at the Druids' Hall on Monday night last, when there was a capital attendance, and a very pleasant time was spent by all. A number of musical items were much appreciated. Mrs H. O. Jones, Misses Booth and Gwen Stevens contributed pianoforte solos, songs were sung by

Miss .Fearless and Mr J. R. Ingram, Captain l'irimi Tahiwi gave a musical monologue,-Miss Ethel Jones a recitation (encored), and Mr Ingram a reading and recitation. A number of Native College boys also sang several company songs.

An advertisement competition created considerable interest, Miss- Maud Wallace being the lucky winner, with Master Gage second.

During the evening the Rev. G. F. Petrie. M.A. (the vicar), explained the object of (he gathering. He spoke of the importance of the duties of a church organist, saying, that the size of a congregation depended almost as much on the talents of the organist as on the A-icar himself—an organist had the power, largely, to mar or make a congregation. The talented lady who had rendered distinguished services as organist for the past seven years at All Saints' (•lunch (Mrs Blathwayt) possessed musical abilities of a high order, and had helped very largely towards the success of church work in Otaki. She was always at her post hail, rain or shine—and it was not possible to adequately thank her for her most valuable services. In working as she had, Mrs Blathwayt had been actuated by her duty to God. Mr Petrie then presented Mrs Blathwayt, on behalf of the church friends. with a very handsome and valuable pair of entree dishes, and in doing so said he hoped God would bless her and her husband in their future life, wherever they might be. The silver articles were beautifully engraved: "Mrs G. C. Blathwayt, organist of All Saints' Church, Otaki, 1912-19. With best wishes from the parishioners." Mrs Blathwayt. in a neat speech, heartily thanked Mr Petrie for the kind remarks he had made, which, she said, were not altogether deserved. She had only done her duty, and had not done more than other women were i doing in various phases of church work. Mrs Blathwayt said she felt the parting with so many friends, whom she again thanked for their kindness and for the handsome presentation.

The ladies provided a dainty supper in good style, and a very successful gathering was brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem.