FAREWELL GATHERING.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 31 October 1919, Page 2

FAREWELL GATHERING.

♦ At the invitation of the Rev. and Airs G. C. Blathwayt, who leave tomorrow for Wellington, a large number <>i Natives congregated at. the Otaki Native College last night to enable them to say good-bye. The Rev. Blathwayt said lie was pleased to meet so many, as time would not permit him to personally visit the Natives to say farewell. He expressed regret at having to leave so many kind friends behind, which meant the .severing of mumPleasant associations. Si, * his nrnla. in Otaki l,e had had much to do with the Natives, ami it was with feelings of* d'vp regret that he was leaving them. However, much ms he loved them, he could ~ot slay circumstances altered cases. He liked both the place and rite people, and lie thanked all for unfnil . u.g courtesy and .assistance, and what in. had done in return was not for pergain but tor the. welfare of his , iVO ■ AJr Blathwayt also spoke oi chuic'i work, and while advising the Natives to continue to do their best for God. st id he had only done his Jloty by pointing the way to „ better

Ihe Rev. Tomu„u Tokoaitua spoke feeling and expressed deep regie I (hat no Natives were, to lose such kind friends. As muster of the College many had passed through Blath* wayt’s hands during the eight years of ■is term, and the Maoris fully realised ,C Roo , d t,,nt been installed into Ox’in- Both Mr and Mrs Blathwayt had oso worked energetically boll, j„ church and school work.

Mr Pirimi Tahiti i, who had been us*oemled with Mr Blathwayt at. the College lor many years, said the gathering "as both sad and pleasant—sad „ sl . Nati Ves were losing such sterling inends, and pleasant because Mr Blath-S-nni-d a higher position, unci,- J"s energies and abilities would have fuller scope. Personally, he was deeply sorry to lose such friends, •o -Miig their praises would be imnces- . anijj all hi. could do was j., wish them success in their new sphere. During the years he had laboured with -dr Blathwayt he had always found him •l (me friend—always obliging, aluavs courteous. Mr Tt.l.iwi, conclusion, i-poke ot the progress of the school wluic |( was under the |{ev, ninthwavt’s care. The Rev. Bl,Ml,way| was. during the evening, presented with a large Maori mat, and Mrs Blathwayt with „ valutdde feathered one. both the gifts of •Hie Native children. This morning the Rev. Blathwayt gave an address'to Natives a| the “Rangiatea,” his remarks being fully appreciated.