VALEDICTORY.

Putaruru Press, 7 June 1928, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

REV. AND MRS. E. WARD. After the induction of the Rev. Wareing on Friday, the congregation of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Putaruru, adjourned to the Presbyterian Hall, where a farewell evening was tendered to the Rev. E. Ward, retiring vicar of the parish, who has been appointed to Kaitaia. Opportunity was also taken to formally welcome the Rev. S. A. Wareing, M.A., who succeeds Mr. Ward in Putaruru.

Mr. J. R. O. Lochhead occupied the chair, and amongst those taking part were Bishop Cherrington and the Revs. H. Ashworth (Methodist) and W. T. Braybyn (Presbyterian). The chairman, in his address, remarked on the short tenure of office of a priest in New Zealand, compared with that of his brother minister in the Old Country, where a parish generally became his life "work. Mr. Ward had been inducted to Putaruru on the formation of the parish in August, 1925, and he had proved himself a most active worker not only in matters appertaining to the church, but in matters outside that sphere. His work in founding the horticultural society, and his broad-minded-ness, and general approachability, had made him popular as a citizen. Mrs. Ward had proved herself as a most able helper in church and other work, having been president of the Ladies’ Guild ard also of the Plunket Society.

In greeting the Rev. Wareing, the chairman trusted his stay would be a pleasant one, and that he would have the full support of parishioners. Mr. Lochhead then presented Mr. Ward with a cheque as a token of the esteem with which he was regarded by his parishioners, and Mrs. V/ard with a box of cutlery from members of the Guild and Plunket Society.

Bishop Cherrington, in a light but impressive speech, stated his appreciation of the work done by Mr. and Mrs. Ward. In regard to Mr. Wareir.g, he knew him fairly intimately, for they had arrived in New Zealand within a day of one another, and he had been on his staff since his arrival. Mr. Ward had age and experience, while Mr. Wareing had youth and enthusiasm. He noted that both their names began with the letters “ W.A.R.” A voice: That spells war. (Laughter). Continuing, the Bishop laughingly stated he did not think so, for it was a unique occasion in that the retiring incumbent helped in the induction of the new vicar. On rising to reply the Rev. Ward was received with musical honours. With deep feeling he expressed his regret at leaving, and his appreciation of the good wishes of all sects. After giving a resume of the work in the parish since his arrival, Mr. Ward stated he felt fully recovered in health and fit for his work in the far north. Had he known his work was meeting with such approval he would never have resigned, and if the opportunity offered he would be glad to come back to the Waikato diocese once more. He sincerely thanked the vestry, Ladies’ Guild and churchwardens for their help, and especially Mrs. Barnes for her faithful services

as organist. (Applause). He had always felt there was no need for bitterness between churches, and had done his best to encourage a spirit of broadmindedness and unity, in Mrs.

Ward he had had a faithful lieutenant throughout his work. (Applause). The Rev. Ashworth, in a humorous speech, referred to the fact that cream always rose to the top, and as Mr. Ward was going north, and he

himself had come from that district, the reference appeared obvious. (Laughter). He testified to the good

feeling which had existed between the various churches during Mr. Ward’s term as vicar. The Revs. S. 11. Wareing and W. T. Braybyn also spoke. During the evening items were given by the following ladies and gentlemen: Instrumental trio, Miss Sayers and Messrs. Sayers and Brown; solo, Mr. G. Brown; solo, Mrs. Alcorn; solo, Mr. Clare; quartette, Messrs. Reid, Clare, Brown and Gasparich; valedictory solo, “ Salaam,” Mrs. Gasparich. NURSE BROWN. Before leaving Putaruru for Ngaruawahia, where she will take up her residence, Nurse Brown, so well known in connection with the nursing home at Putaruru, was presented by the Putaruru Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild with a beautiful bronze vase. Rev. W. T. Braybyn, in making the presentation, spoke of Nurse Brown’s help in all the branches of the church work. Owing to her duties she was seldom able to be at the Guild and church meetings, but helped in other ways. The good wishes of the Guild (Continued at Foot of Next Column)

followed her and her family. Nurse Brown feelingly thanked the members for their token of esteem.