REV. F. B. DOBSON'S DEPARTURE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 126, 29 December 1915, Page 2

REV. F. B. DOBSON'S DEPARTURE.

After having been in charge of the Pukekohe parish for nineteen years the Kev P B Dobson leaves this week to become Vicar of Paeroa, and on Sunday evening last he preached, his final sermon as Vicar of Pukekohe at S'. Andrew's Church. A PUBLIC FAREWELL

(This Wednesday) evening th? Kev Dobson is to be entertained at a public social in the Public Hall, when opportunity of the occasion will be take-i to demonstrate in some tangible form the respect and esteem entertained for the departing Vicar by the townspeople as a whole. THE PARISBIONERS' TRIBUTE O.i Thursday evening last the Rev and Mrs Dobs in were entertained by the parishioners in the Masonic Hall, a large and representative company being present Musical items were rendered and everything passed off most succsssfully. The Mayor, Mr H G R Mason, preuled and at an interval in the programme he stated that it was hardly necessary for him to explain that they bad asserabed to try and show the very kindly feelings that existed between the Vica*, his wife and family and the parishioners. It hid been a great joy to make their acquaintance, and he wished them all good luck and prosperity. Mr R Bilkey, Senior Chatqt;warden, remarked that the parish was very small nineteen years ago when the Rev Dobson settled at Bombay, but the remarkable giowth it had since made was quite apparent. In its initial stages it was also very scattered, but a great change had been effected. The responsibilities on the shoulders of the Vestry Committee had increased in accordance with the growth ot the parish. Mr Bilkey went on to a?k Mr Dobson's acceptance ?1 a purse of soverigna as an expression of the patishioaers' goodwill, and he tendered the hope that be, Mrs Oobsin and family would enjoy prosperity and the best of health m their new sphere of labour.

Mr A F Brown, the Peoples' Church warden, also spoke, and regretted Mr Dobson's departare. He was, however, confident that tha work Mr Dobson would undertake to do and would accomlisb at Paeroa would bs equally as beneficial as the eool work he had done in Fukekoh®.

Mr J B Brown, senr, referred 10 the very long acquaintance that bad existed b'-tween himself and Mr Dobson. It was strange, be said, that atter being introduced to the Rev Dobson by the Ven Archdeacon Cowie the letter's son should be coming to settle in tbe parish. During the lengthy period he bad been associated with Mr Dobson a 8 a lay reader their relations bad been the happiest possible. He wished them every success and knew that they would not be lost sight ot by their Pukekohe triends. Mr H Wilcox, on behalf of members of the Buckland congregation, also handed to Mr Dobson a purse of sovereigns. In doing so he remarked that the rev. gentle* man had christened confirmed, and sent members of his family rejoicing to their homes and the associations thereby made, would continue. He hopad that Mr Dobßon'a efforts in the new district ot which he was abcut to take charge would be successful, and that he and his family would have the best of health and prosperity. Speaking in acknowledgment of the gifts made him, Mr Dobson outlined the changes tbe district bad made from the time when he first went to Bombay nineteen years ago. After several years residence there, he said, he had the choice of either coming to Pukekohe or going to another parish which was further advanced as far as church matters went, but in view ot ths then probable expansion of tha Pukekohe distcrict he settled in Pukekohe. The frontage of the section tbat St Andrew's Church now Btood on was five chains, whereas for a considerable time it was only 66 feet. He wuuld certainly watch and hope to hear of the beginning of a new church for Pukekobe. In endorsing Mr Brown, senr's remarks as to tb3 good feeling that existed between ths lay readers and himself, he made mention of valuable assistance that both Mr Brown, Mr Mason and others had rendered to him. He hoped that the people who had gathered around him wuuld give the Kev Cowie a hearty welcome. Although the district had been made smaller he felt aure tbat it the people worked together it wuuld support a man. He would never forget that evening or the sympathetic feelings which had been extended to Limselt, Mrs Dobson and family. They would all curry away with them the warmeit feelings towards those with whom they had come in contact, and he returned his sincere thanks tor tbe handsome gifts they bad seen fit to present him with, and for that most pleasant function.

Mrs Dobson also briefly returned thanks, being greeted with loud applause. The musical programme was contributed by the following, viz.Songs, quartettes and musical sketch, Messrs F Duncan, L Wilson, J Brown and L Uenrick; solos, Mrs J Wylie and Mr L Wilson; duet, Miss Ivy and Mr Fred Duncan; musical monologue, Miss Taylor. The last nsityed alsj acted as pianiste. Sapper was provided, and the function broke up with the singing ot "Auld Lang Syne."