TAIHAPE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9122, 15 April 1908, Page 7

TAIHAPE.

From Our Own Correspondent. The Rev.- Copeland received a send-off on Friday evening at 'the Wesleyan Church, and though there were several other attractions on that night the church was packed, and a lengthy programme of songs ■ and recitations was provided. Mr 0. B. Darvill was in the chair, and valedictory and complimentary speeches- were given, the speakers being the Revs. Wise (Methodist), and Bishop (Presbyterian). Mr 'Mechailis, the chairman, on behalf of the' ladies, asked Mr Copeland’s acceptance of a handsome pair of slippers, whilst the Methodist congregation presented the rev. gentleman with a gold sovereign case beautifully inscribed, with a wellfilled purse of sovereigns, which I feel sure would have been made much more weighty if the outside ■ friends had had an opportunity of assisting. Mr Darvill, in making the presentation, made'. complimentary remarks on the energy and many good qualities of the departing clergyman. Mr Copeland feelingly, replied, and said he was sorry to leave Taihape as he had spent a very happy time in 'their midst. Supper was handed round and the proceedings terminated by all singing “God be with you till we meat again.” Mrs E. C. Barnett presided at the organ. The Rev. gentleman was deservedly popular, not only with his own congregation, but the public generally, and particularly the young men of the place, and in that respect alone he will, indeed be missed from amongst us, and we can only wish him as much success in the future as he had in Taihape. A very sad case was before the local Court on fMonday, when Mr J. P. Aldridge, J. P., had before him a young lad of 17 years, who had been given in charge by his mother for the theft of her purse containing the sum of £5. The l?d pleaded guilty. Sorgt. Beattie, who had arrested the hoy, said lie had been in the cells all night. The Sergeant said that he would not ask for a penalty, but pressed for a conviction. The accused, who was very penitent, said that he did not know what possessed him to take the money. Mr Aldridge said the case was indeed a sad one, and it was hard to know how to deal with such a case. But the employer of the boy - who was present offered to take the lad hack again if he would agree to be bound. On this being arranged the Bench after giving the accused (who was then in tears) a severe talking to, warning him of the trouble ahead if he did not alter his ways, convicted and ordered him to come up for sentence when called on, and further ordered that he should not he found in the street , after 8 o’clock at night, otherwise he would he arrested and brought up for sentence. The lad was very much affected during the Bench’s remarks and sobbiugly promised to turn over a new leaf.