A FAREWELL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2720, 4 October 1894, Page 4

A FAREWELL.

A large and representative gathering was held in the Church of Eu gland Schoolroom, Winchester, oq Monday evening, to wish God-speed to the Rev. T. Hodgson, who has been in charge of the parish for the last six months. The affair was only, arranged the day before, but in spite of the short notice a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr In wood, senior churchwarden, expressed his high appreciation of the faithful manner in which Mr Hodgson had discharged his duties, and his extreme regret at his removal. He trusted that the rev. gentleman might have a prosperous and happy career, and on behalf of the congregation thanked him for his untiring efforts to promote his Master's work. (Applause.) Mrs 0. Opie then contributed a solo in a very finished manner, and , the Choral Society followed with a glee. Mr J. Opie sang " Tom Bowling " in a very pleasing style, and the glee "Since first I saw your, face" was well rendered by the society. Refreshments of a most choice description were then handed round, and were very much appreciated. These wer£ provided by the ladies of the congregation. The Choral Society followed with another glee, and Mr Robert Smith made a few remarks. He paid a graceful compliment to the Rev. T. Hamilton, a former pastor of the parish, and said that he was almost as sorry to part with Mr Hodgson as he had been to part with Mr Hamilton. Mr Hodgson had endeared himself to the people by his sympathetic manner towards all in trouble. He had also taken a deep interest in the Sunday School, that nursery of the Church, and wherever he was called to labor he was quite sure Mr Hodgson would do his best to promote Christ's Kingdom. (Applause.) Mr J. Opie, as a member of another Church, heartily endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker. He expressed surprise that the members of the congregation should have so little voice in the choice of a pastor, and instanced the different manner of appointing ministers in the Wesleyau Church. He concluded by wishing Mr Hodgson every happiness in his future sphere of labor, Mr Hodgson made a most telling speech in reply, and thanked the speakers for the kind remarks they had made in reference to .himself. He added that during the six months he had spent in the district both the Winchester and Temuka people had shown him the utmost kindness and support in his work. He trusted that they would extend the same helping hand to bjs supcessor, Mr Farley, and he was sure they would get on very happily together. Mr R, Smith moved a very hearty vote of thanks to the ladies and to the members of the Choral Society. The singing of "God Save the Queen" concluded a meeting which did equal credit to Mr Hodgson and to the people of Winchester.