CLERGYMAN FAREWELLED.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 295, 4 July 1929, Page 1

CLERGYMAN FAREWELLED.

ANGLICAN FUNCTION.

Presentation to Rev. Wilkinson.

A large and representative number of Anglican parishioners of the parish of Putaruru gathered in the Lichfield Hall on Wednesday evening for the purpose cf saying goodbye and God speed to the Eev. G. L. B. Wilkinson, who after twelve months’ service in the parish moves on to well earned promotion in the

Wanganui parish. Mr. Vincent, senr., presided, and ! after briefly outlining the purpose for which they had met, he paid a tribute to the good work done in the district by the departing clergyman. Dancing was then indulged in to first-class music supplied by Mrs. Barnes (piano), Messrs. K. J. Barnes E. Sayes (violins), Mrs. Brown (piano) and Mr. Brown (comet). Mr. Pepperill made an efficient M.C. During the evening Mr. J. E. O. Lochhead (vicar’s warden), after apologising for Mr. T. F. Snell (people’s warden), said that during the twelve months’ that Mr. Wilkinson had been with them they had seen him “ priested ” and made a full member of the clergy, and during that time he had proved himself to be a tip-top man. Manhood counted and Mr. Wilkinson was a splendid fellow. He came to Pufaruru parish for experience and they sincerely hoped that the experience [ gained would be of benefit to him jin his future sphere. Mr. Lochhead ! then extended the best wishes of the ! parishioners as a whole to Mr. Wil- ! kinson, and in handing several gifts to the guest said that the short notice had not enabled many to pay their tribute to the guest. On coming forward to receive a cheque, and a handsome leather collar box from the parishioners, and a handsomely-bound volume of John Masefield's poems from the vestry, the latter presentation being made hy Mrs. All wood (Lichfield), on behalf of the vestry, Mr. Wilkinson was greeted with loud and sustained applause. Mr. Wilkinkson, who, on rising to respond, was greeted with a “ further round cf applause, opened by asking those present to take their minds bach to when he arrived in the country and the Bishop put him in the charge of Mr. Warning. None could have been kinder than the poop'e of the district not only in church affairs, but in all branches of the district’s activities, for they all disnlaved the spirit of co-operation and British love. In paying a tribute to Mr. Wareing, the speaker characterised him as a magnificent vicar. Ke had had a happy time in the parish and was sorry to leave it, but if one wished to advance then one had to move on. He would never forget the good time snent in the Putaruru parish . (Ap-

plau se). Mr. Wilkinson th*m recorded musical honours, followed by three hearty cheers. On the motion of the Pev. 5?. R. Warcinff «* vot#» of thanks was accorded Mrs. /•11 wood (T ichfjeld) and ail those who had assisted in the entertainment. A dainty supper, provided h v the ladies, was greatly appreciated.