FAREWELL TEA MEETING.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 147, 27 March 1886, Page 3

FAREWELL TEA MEETING.

On Monday evening last a farewell tea meeting was held In the Weeleyau (Jhuich in nonoui of the Rev. T. J. and Mis Wills (vvho, on Wednesday last left lor Gisborne, the circuit appointed Mr VVilla for this year.) Ttiere was a goodly gathering on the occasion, the tea, etc., left nothing to be desired, reflecting great credit, on those ladies who got it up, and the meeting a very hearty one, Tiie liev. E. Best presided at the after meeting, an I gave a moat suitable address lor the occasion, referring in most kindly terms to the minister about to be removed, ami expi esbing many hearty wishes for his happiness an • future usefulness, and also hoping that his successor in this district would be greatly used to the glory of God, and receive e\ ery assistance and encourage went in his work from the peopV amongst whom he was coining to resi le. Rev. Jag. Marshall (Church of England Minister at Te Aroha), said : Although not of the same denomination, both himself and Mrs Marshall esteemed it an honour being invited to be present ou the occasion. Prom what he ha*! bcm of Mr Wills he believed they were about to lose an honourable, upright, Christian gentleman, and an earnest worker. He heartily wished Mr and Mrs Wills every happiness and prosperity. Messrs Ilott, Griffiths, and Devey also spoue, and joined heartily in the good wishes expressed for the future of those now about to leave for another sphere of usefulness. Mr Wills replied at considerable length, referring generally to his two years' ministry at Te Aroha, expressing gratitude for the many kindnesses he had received, and to those who had got up and taken part in the meeting that night, also the pleasure it afforded him to see the Rev. Mr Marshall and Mrs Marshall present, and remarked also lw had alwaya found in Mr Marshall a readiness to work with him in the sine great, cause, an I a truetnemt. Mr Wills fuitlioi said : He was conscious of m«iny shortcomings, and lie had perhaps sometime erred in judgment., but. he coul j j truly pay he ha 1 endenvoure I to do Ins best, whilst amongst them. The meeting w is brought to a close about half- past nine.