FAREWELL TO MR W.W. ASHBY.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 101, 9 May 1885, Page 7

FAREWELL TO MR W. W. ASHBY.

It was witlt general regret the information was lately, received that -Mr Ashby ( Bank of New Zealand), was to be removed to the Thames. As secretary and librarian of the Wesleyan Sunday School ; for a long time secretary of the Band of Hope (in connection with which he was a most energetic workw 1 ), and as Oliuici iStewar 1 of th; Weslfyan communion, Mr Ashby has been constant and devoted to his duties, and his removal has caused vacancies it will not i>e •easy to fill. It wa« felt that Mr Asiiby -should not" be permitted to take his de parture witliout some token of recognition of his much : appreciated services being first made. Some active friend.-, therefore, arranged for, and provided a farewell tea, which came off in the Weslejan Church on Friday evening, Ist inst., and a goodly number assembled to Bay *' Good bye." The spread was in «7ery way excellent, and reflected great credit on the caterers. After tea had been cleared away a considerable time was spent in singing, and addresses suitable for the occasion from friend> present. rThe -Rev. T. J. Wills occupied the chair, and in the course of his ' address expressed his great regret that so useful a member of the community should be called away from Te Arohu, and spoke eulogistical ly of Mr Ashby, i'Oth as regards his private lilc; 1 and as a Christian worker. On behalf of a number of, friends Mr Wills presented . Mr Ashby with a gold albert watch chain as a token of esteem and appreciation of his sen ices ; die rev. gentleman in BOj doing \mlfcd him every prosperity and God's choicest blessings. Mr Ashby, ; Hcknowleded the gift and kind senti- : luents expressed in a few well chosen Words, and traced his interest in Suiu!a\ , School work- to eaily home influences. 'Ihe meeting closed with the Benediction. { Mr Asbby s ,ljas f gon£ ta his,i\ew sphere of wurkiuily atsiired dPtlie kind wishes* of those he nas< left/behind in this dis-j strict -.„ .- He, 7 was .«, . naturally fpnd; of music, a talented player,and regularly presided at' the harm diiVum^cluri tig \Ve^j leyan services,* Sunday »lSchoo|, an«l oL Hope meHiug-8, and in these capacit.es wi)XJ&: &#*ss, uufijitd.; \