WHITELEY CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 March 1921, Page 5

WHITELEY CHURCH.

DEPARTURE OF REV. J. NAPIEP / MILNE. FAREWELL AND PRESENTATION There was a large gathering at the Whiteley Hall, New Plymouth, last? night when the Rev. J. Najsier Milne, who has been in charge of the New Plymouth circuit for the past two years, was farewelled prior to his departure for St. Alban's (Christchurch). Air. C. Carter, who presided, referred to the efforts made by Mr. Milne, ande said all would recognise that he had done good work in the circuit. Mr. Garter particularly stressed his; influence in the town. The monthlypublic services had been a strong feature and, while, in the opinion of some, they were not strictly within the church’s .activities, there was no doubt tJiat they had attracted many people who otherwise would not have been brought |o the church. They were indebted to Mr. Alilne for introducing the monthly services and these had been marked by much success. At the last gathering—the final public service to be by Mr. Alilne—there was a record c.mgrega- • tion. Mr. Carter said that as a business man he had been always keenly interested in the method adopted by Mr. Alilne of putting his subject before the people. On behalf of the Whiteley, St. Aubyn’s and Fitzroy congregations, Air. Carter expressed regret at Mr. Milne’s forthcoming departure arid the hope that a hearty welcome would be waiting for him in his new circuit. Air. Milne’s Ministry in New Plymouth had always been looked upon as a very effective one, and they yvould fellow his future career with interest. On behalf of the circuit stewards - he handed to Air. Milne ft cheque, which they hoped he would devote to securing some token of his stay in New Plymouth. Eulogistic references to Air. Milne’s

work as a Minister and colleague were also made by Revs. Nixon and Martin, and expressions of goodwill from the choir and Sunday school were voiced by Air. R. L. Cooper. In reply, the Rev. Milne expressed his gratitude to the speakers for their kindly remarks, for the presentation, and for what it signified—the sympathy and esteem of the donors. He would carry away the kindliest feelings of his stay in New, Plymouth. In regard to hie work; Air. Alilne said he had found pastoral visitation difficult, and he thought the question of providing a conveyance for the minister at Whiteley would have to be considered in the future. Of the work among the young people he remarked that he had never before found it so difficult to get younger members enrolled in the congregation. His first Impression had been that the congregation at Wliiteley was comprised of middle-aged and elderly persons, and while circumstances had altered a little he continued would be necessary to secure the young people, upon Wliom* the future of the church would depend. Mr. Alilne bespoke for his successor loyal help and support and returned thanks to his colleagues in the ministry, and Alessrs. White and Cooper and the choir for their work. He believed, with the previous speakers, that the musical portion of the monthly service had boon a factor in attracting people. He thought that an effort should be made to appeal to as many people as ‘possible, and he hoped thfit the services would be continued. There was a great fu-* ture before New Plymouth, and in his* opinion twenty-five years’ hence the town would be- in line with the cities of Auckland and Wellington. There was a promising future for Methodism and probably the question of providing new churches at St. Aubyn’s and Fitzroy would Ifave to be considered in the next few years in view of the growing population. The singing of “God be With You Till We Aleet Again” and prayei terminated the proceedings, and supper was provided bv the ladies. During the evening a musical programme was given, the following con- , iributing: -Miss Perrott, Air®. MacDonald, Airs. Cooper, Miss Emmett, and Mr. North.