CHURCH FAREWELL

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1940, Page 8

CHURCH FAREWELL

MR. AND MRS. HAMLIN

St. John's hall, Waitara, was well filled on Wednesday evening when the vestry and parishioners met to farewell Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin, who have worked faithfully for the church during their long stay at Waitara. As Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin were brought into the hall by the vicar and churchwardens the audience sang "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." Mr. Chadwick led the community singing for which Miss R. Brough provided the music. Other items were:— Duet (piano), Misses R. Brough and C. Wright; song, Mr. J. Goddard; trio, Mr. and Mrs. Newton and Mrs. W- Topless; song, Mrs. Halcombe; piano-accordion, Mr. W. Joll jnr. The vicar, the Rev. E. G. Wilson, said that it was with mixed feelings that the parishioners met. They were sorry to part with such old friends but they were glad to know that Mr. Hamlin had earned a rest' after many years of service. He had been people's warden and secretary of the vestry for many years and had carried out his offices efficiently and conscientiously. One of the churchwarden's duties was especially dear to Mr. Hamlin, namely that of keeping in repair all church property. During the 10 years he had been' secretary of the rose show he had lifted that event to be one of the best shows in Taranaki. As member of th? choir, and in every way, he had endeared himself to all. In all this he had been ably helped by Mrs. Hamlin. The vicar presented an oak writing desk and a crystal reading lamp. Mr. A. Chadwick, vicar's warden, spoke of the happy relationship that had existed between himself and Mr. Hamlin, during the many years that they had worked together. On behalf of the choir he cxtended to both best wishes. Mr. W. B. Glasgow, people's warden, endorsed the words of previous speakers and made reference to the soldier son of Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin, of whom they had every reason to be proud. Messrs. C. F. Dowsett, H. Wells and W. A. Joll spoke and Mr. T. Hine spoke on behalf of Tikorangi parishioners. Mr. Hamlin said he hoped the people would help the new secretary as much as they had done the old. He was gbatified to see so many present from outlying districts. During supper, which was served by a women's committee, Miss Brough played the piano and Mr. H. Wells the violin.