VALEDICTORY PRESENTATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 46, 19 March 1909, Page 3

VALEDICTORY PRESENTATIONS

An "At Home" was held in St. Andrew's School Hall on Thursday afternoon to («d farewell to Mr. and Mrs. A. J. W. Johnston and family, who are about to leave for Naseby, Mr Johnston having been promoted to the position, of stationmaster at that place. The hall was tastefully decorated for the, occasion, and there "was a large gatheiin" of friends. During the afternoon the Rev. fi. S. Osborne, on behalf of tliu congregation, Resented M.r. ami Mrs. Johnston with, ti handsome silver bray, ■with, cream jug and sugar lmsiu tliere--00, and :witli, richly-bound copies of Tennyson's and Longfellow's poems. In making, the presentation, -Mr. CMhorno referred to the good work done in uk* cMirdi 'by Mr. and Mm. Johnston during their residence in. Plymoutir, and voiced the-sincere regret of _ the eon"Tcation in h-aving now to say larewel" to them. Mr. N. K. MaeDiariuid endorsed the remarks of the minister, and. speaking on behalf of St. Andrew o session, said that as an elder Mr. Johnston would .be. very much missed, lie noil "rati,! a tod him on the promotion, which robbed the session and the conlegation of his services, and wished him haiJ'phiess in his new home. Mi. (J. 11. Harle followed, as representing the committee of managers, of which Air. Johnston had been the sccretar) for some yea.rs. M.r. Harle referred to the zealous ami thorough, mannei jiu whicliMr. Johnston had carried out the duties of office. Mr. Johnston smtahly renlied. thanking the congregation foi tbeir good wishes and the gifts which, j accompanied 'then,. Afternoon tea was partaken of. Sons* «ere rcndcieill b> 11,rs. JVieon. Mi'- Metealf a',id Mr. Haslim V violin solo l»y iMrs. .Metratt was much appreciate,l. Several K rninapl.one selections lent varwtv. an.l the afteimione tea was brought to a dose i>, "(iood'bye." . Last evening at the post otlice tnu' was a withering of the stall to bid .farewell to 3tr. Jolmstcm. wlio has been for several Tears jicconntant licie. in Chief Postniaster, M.r. Chancy, on behalf of the stall, expressed regret at- losing riicli an excellent officer, at the same .time congratulating him upon his ipio,motion to the va.ik of postmaster. IKthen handed to him a vcrv liau.i-on , .travelling liag and rug. Mr. Johnston brieilv acknowledging the gilt.