VALEDICTORY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 278, 21 November 1914, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

A large gathering of members and friends of the- Stratford Presbyterian Church was held last evening in the St. Andrew’s Hall, the occasion being a presentation to Mr and Mrs J. B. Campbell, who are shortly leaving Strafford for Palmerston South. A musical programme had been arranged, songs being contributed by Messrs P. Budd, H. W. Douglas and N. Fulton, duet by the Misses Lawrence and Milner, pianoforte duet by the Misses Evans and O’Leary, piano solo by Miss Evans, and a song by Miss Feildes. The Rev. J. Pattison, who presided, in making the presentation of a handsome silver tea and coffee service on behalf of the members of the congregation appreciatively referred to the excellent service rendered by Mr Campbell as manager and elder in connection with the Church. All regretted very much the loss of his services, but recognised that the change was in the interests of Mr Campbell’s health. Mrs Campbell’s services as secretary of the Ladies’ Guild and teacher in the Sunday School were also highly appreciated, and mention should also ,be made of the devoted service of Miss Campbell and Mr Colin Campbell in the school and other work. Mr Pattison, in conclusion, trusted both Mr and Mrs Campbell would be spared to live a- long and happy life, and have better health. Mpssrs Campbell Jackson and N. Fulton also spoke appreciatively of the consistent work rendered both as a citizen and in connection with the Church. A resolution of the Session was read expressing the unanimous regret at Mr Campbell’s removal from I Stratford.

Mr Campbell, in replying to • the addresses and presentation, expressed regret at leaving so many friends, and assured all that both Mrs Campbell and family highly appreciated the gift and the kindness he had always received from so many. Refreshments were served at the. close by the ladies, and at the close" all joined heartily in singing “Auld Lang Syne.” Mr and Mrs |Campbell leave on Wednesday morning. the railway staff. The members of the local railway station assembled in the stationmastjer’s office this morning for the pur- : pose of making a presentation to their I worthy and respected stationmaster, Mr J. S. Campbell. The presentations comprised a handsome inkstand for Mr Campbell, and an elec-tro-plated biscuit barrel for Mi-s Campbell. Mr Beauchamp, chief clerk, in making the presentation, spoke very highly of Mr Campbell as a railway officer, mentioning the good feeling that had always existed between Mr Campbell and his staff. They all regretted 'very much that he was compelled, owing to ill-health, to leave them, -but trusted that the change he was i making would prove both beneficial . and lasting for a lons life and good ■ health. Mr Campbell suitably re- . sponded, and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good' Fellow” and three ! cheers for Mr and Mrs Campbell brought a pleasant function to a dose.