VALEDICTORY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 322, 8 June 1911, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

The members of the committee of St. Mary's ehoir met at Mr. Standish's office yesterday afternoon to bid farewell to Mr. W. P. Crawford on the eve of his departure for Sydney. In the unavoidable absence of the Rev. Wilkinson (acting-vicar), Mr. R. N. Renaud voiced the feelings of the members of the choir and committee. They all regretted losing Mr. Crawford, but hoped he would be very successful in his new sphere of action. Reference was made to Mr. Crawford's regularity and faithfulness while connected with the church and choir, and the hope expressed that in his future life his earnestness and faithfulness would meet, with due appreciation. Mr Bannister and Mr. Woodard also spoke in felicitous terms of their departing friend, the latter stating that Mr. Crawford had grown up with the choir and an early photograph of members of that body included the portrait of Mr. Crawford, then a boy. Mr. Renaud then requested Mr. Crawford to accept from members < of the choir and friends, as a token ol their appreciation of his many good qualities and friendship, a gents' dressing case in pigskin, with initials engraved. Mr. Crawford thanked the donors for their remembrances and kindly expressions. He hoped at some future date (if only on a holiday) to renew his relationship with the choir. About twenty hockey players met last evening and entertained Mr. Crawford, who was presented with a writing caso, suitably inscribed. Mr. Corkill (president of the Hockey Association) made the presentation, and with the Rev. Evans, and Messrs. E. Avery and F. Robertson, made appreciative allusion to the great service Mr. Crawford had rendered local hockey. Mr. Crawford replied in modest terms.