FAREWELL SOCIAL GATHERING.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 51, 24 May 1884, Page 7

FAREWELL S OCIAL GATHERING.

A large number of members of the Presbyterian Church and friends belonging to other denominations assembled together on Wednesday evening for the purpose of talcing farewell of the Rev. W. Ferguson. The weather, which threatened in' the early part of day to nuir tlie proceedings, fortunately cvared up towards noon, and before ni;htset in the roads were again eomp i: ilivoly dry. Many friends from Waiorouu'nnui, Waitoa, and Paeroa were thus en ibled to alien I, and swelled the number prosent to nearly 100, a large proportion of whom were ladies. There was a total absence of formality in the evening's entertainment, which partook, more of the character of a private so-m'il party than of a conventional soireo or teameeting. Mr George Wilson was called upon to take the t hair, an 1 admirably fulfilled the duties of the position. Under his guidance, and aided by other members of the church committee, the festivities were of a most enjoyable kind, and everything passed off without the siignest hitch or hindrance. Singing, • lancing, and reciting, with frequent in(enals for social dial, made up the evening's amusement. Most of our loading vocalist wore present, and excellent music was discoursed. Due provision was likewise made for enjoyment of a more substantial nature. There were side-tables presided over by S"mc of the ladies, who tnrongout the evening dispensed tea, eotl'ee, and all the other relrosunient* and delicacies usual on Midi occasions. At an early period in tiie pioeeedm^s the euairman took occasion to refer to tlie departure of Mr Ferguson, who during his residence in the di^rrict li-id made many warm friends, •md had deservedly won the n^peet ami esteem, not alone of the ln'Mubers of his own denomination, \mt of all with whom ac nan been brought into contact. His departure was a cause of very siuceie rr i gret, and ne cvrnod with him the best wis c.s ot eveiy one in tiie community. ilr Ferj ruson, in a brief ad Iress, refeirod in feeling term* to rh«> warm expression of feeh q shown towards him that evening by all those present, fie also spoke of the kiudiy relations that had at all times subsisted between himself and the membeis of the Church Committee which body had on every occsHon aide ; and strentiti.ene I him with tii^ir counsel and support It was not without a panof regret that he sevre.l his connectioi with the congregation, but the fnen 1 snips he had foitned wuile hen 1 woulu, he trusted 1 nig continue to exist, a d the pleasing memories of his residence in t.iis district would bUMtain and cheer him wherever his 'tuti*-- miglit in future, call him. Dancing, singing, &c, were kept up witli mucu spii it for a low hours, aft^i which there was a hearty inierchange of farewell greetings between those assembled and the departing n.i iister, who will bear away with ! i n many pleasing recollecnons of the last social evening he spent in To Aroho.