MAJOR ARMSTRONG RETIRES.

Putaruru Press, Volume VIII, Issue 356, 18 September 1930, Page 1

MAJOR ARMSTRONG RETIRES.

FAREWELL FUNCTION. f Tributes from Putaruru. , The esteem and regard in which Major and Mrs. Armstrong, of the Salvation Army Boys’ Home, on the Waotu road, Putaruru, are held was 1 given effective voice to by one of the largest representative gatherings ever held at the Home on Monday night. Visitors were present from Putaruru, Tirau and the surrounding districts. The function (which was held to mark the popular officers’ retirement from active service) took place in the gymnasium hall which was gaily decorated with flags of all nations. One of the dominant notes of the evening was conveyed by a large sign bearing the words: “Your past devotion and success inspires us,” placed above the seats of the guests. In the unavoidable absence of Colonel Toomer, Commandant Sawyer presided. Associated with him were the Revs. E. H. Atkey (Anglican) and G. H. Marr (Methodist). Prior to the commencement of the proceedings, the boys of the home entertained the company with a number of pleasingly sung Salvation Army choruses. After the opening devotional exercises, the National Anthem was sung. Commandant Sawyer prefaced the actual programme by paying a tribute to Major and Mrs. Armstrong, who were not only looked on as the managers of the home, but as friends. He intimated that Commissioner Cunningham had expressed his appreciation of the faithful services rendered by the retiring officers. Mr. Baldwin was the first speaker, and he stated that the neighbours had always found Major and Mrs. Armstrong good friends, ever ready to help. He regretted having to say > good-bye. The Rev. E. H. Atkey, in voicing the feelings of the members of his church, said that although met in a spirit of happiness there was a deeper feeling than was allowed to appear. The guests had endeared themselves to all and their going left a gap that would be hard to fill. No man in the district had done so much to advance God’s Kingdom as Major Armstrong. On behalf of the Anglicans he wished Major and Mrs. Armstrong God speed. The Rev. G. H. Marr, on behalf of the Methodists, said that whilst he did not have the privilege of Major Armstrong’s friendship to the same extent as others, yet he had seen suffi- j cient of the Major’s workmanship to recognise his ability. After jocular references to the road that is being formed into the home, he stressed the value of the Major’s influence on the young lads in his care, and likened him to a road-mender making easy the path for the young boys. A letter of appreciation from Mr. A. R. Vosper was read. Mr. J. Gawith, after apologising for the absence of the Rev. W. T. Brabyn, expressed the appreciation of the Presbyterians of the district. He wished Major and Mrs. Armstrong every happiness in their retirement. Mr. T. F. Snell paid a tribute on behalf of the business people of Putaruru.

Messrs. Hollinshead and Grant also spoke in appreciative vein of the work of the retiring officers. Mrs. Armstrong, in thanking the speakers for their remarks, said that they could not have accomplished what they did but for the help of God and the able assistance of the staff. She recalled the early days of “ Hodderville,” when it was a wilderness. ‘ They were not going to retire from active service, but from the great responsibility. She thanked the people of the district for their good wishes. Major Armstrong was given a rousing reception as he rose to reply. He thanked them all for the kindly remarks. He left his comrades with regret, and he ventured to think that even the hoys were sorry to see him go. He asked for the same support to be accorded his successor (Major Middlemiss). He was sorry to leave,

but he thought that the time had arrived when a younger man should take over the greater development of the farm as planned by the Commissioner. He thanked them all again for their kindness. “ For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” w'as then spiritedly sung, and it was followed by three deafening cheers. The speaches were interspersed by musical items given by Mesdames Alcorn, Hollinshead, Fitness, Mr. J. Gawith and the boys of the home (under Mr. Sealey). Mrs. Tulloch played the accompaniments. After the function the guests adjourned to the dining-room of the home for supper.