TRIBUTES TO SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 707, 5 July 1929, Page 14

TRIBUTES TO SERVICE

FAREWELL TO POPULAR ARCHDEACON 35 YEARS IN WAIKATO (Special to THE SUN) HAMILTON, Today. “As priest, archdeacon and Primate’s commissary he has endeared himself to the people,” said Canon E. H. Strong in paying tribute to Archdeacon E. M. Cowie at last evening’s meeting of the Waikato Diocesan Synod. Canon Strong - , in moving a motion expressing regret at the archdeacon’s departure, said he had given 35 years’ service in the Waikato. Archdeacon Cowie provided a link with the early days of the church in New Zealand, the names of his father, the late Bishop Cowie, and Mrs. Cowie, were treasured by many people throughout the Dominion.

Continuing, the speaker said that Archdeacon Cowie had been able to rise above petty things at a time when controversial feeling was high. The Rev. Hori Haiti said that it was his duty to express sorrow at the archdeacon’s departure, for he looked upon him as a father to the Maori people. Greeted by prolonged applause when he rose to reply, Archdeacon Cowie said he had been gratified by the many kind remarks made. He was particularly touched by the speech of the Rev. Hori Raiti. As a boy he had loved the Maoris and he hoped to see many of his native friends before leaving the district. He hoped to be able to work in some part of the church until the end, but he would always bear with him vivid memories of the Waikato days.