TINUI.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3080, 30 December 1908, Page 3

TINUI.

(From Our Own Correspondent). TINUI, December 28. Ajlarge and representative gathering: of people assembled at the Langdale Town Hall to-day to say farewell to tho Rev. J. H. Sykes, who has been Anglican minister in the district for ten year?. Mr H. Morrison in banding Mr Sykes a purse of sovereigns, said that Mr .Sykes was t!ie first resident minister the people had had in the district, and on the first appearance of the rev. gentleman the parishioners were favourably impressed with him, and now, after ten years' labour among them, their first opinions were being endorsed to-day. There had been two churches built' in the district, each costing £SOO, and he was pleased to say both churches were free of debt —this was only one instance of Mr Syke3- untiring efforts. Mr Morrison went on to say that Mr Sykes was always to he seen at local amusements, and many will long remember the interesting lectures with limelight views delivered . by Mr Sykes. Mr Morrison said that the people deeply regretted losing him, but hbped that he would live long and enjoy good health to carry on good work. The speaker humourously remarked that Mr Sykes had visited many whares, but was now going to ] the Hutt. I

' Rev. J. H. Sykes, who was warmly received, thanked the residents for the warm reception accorded to him, when first coming to the district, and also for the continuation of kindness. Since coming to the parish he had slept seven years out of ten away from his lodgings, had travelled 60,000 miles, and married 40 couples. While again thanking them for the present Mr Sykes said that as he was only going as far as Upper Hutt he would always be in touch with them. Mr Sykes on resuming his seat was heartily applauded. The ladies kindly provided afternoon tea, and altogether a very pleasant time was spent. The friends of Miss Groves, of Bush Grove, who has been seriously ill, will be pleased to hear that her condition is much improved.