VALEDICTORY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10131, 29 October 1910, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

REV. BaIN, m'DONALD. The congregational soiree tendered to the. Kev. Bain McDonald by the Presbyterians of Masterton and outfields last evening, proved of a most enthusiastic and enjoyable nature, and the ladies of the segregation are to be congratulated upon the excellent preparations made, which ensured everything passing off without the slightest hitcb. The interior of Knox hall had been literally transformed into a fairy bower, flower 3 and greenery occupying every available space, the colour scheme being worked out in yellow laburnum and white arum , lilies, making a most pleasing effect. ]

The Rev. Lawrence Thompson, M.A., Moderator of the Charge, presided, and in a . brief address, explained that they were there to bid farewell to Mr McDonald, and to wish him God speed. During the evening speeches of a highly eulogistic nature were made in reference to Mr McDonald's capabilities as a minister, and it is evident that he has, during the short time he has been in Masterton, endeared himself to one and all in his congregation, and by his departure will leave a gap that will be hard to fill.

The following varied and excellent programme of music was given during the evening:—jfiano duet, Misses Pryor and Shaw; song, "The Storm Fiend," Mr Herbert Gordon; song,. "Annie Laurie," Miss J. MeGregor; song, "My Old Shako," Mr J. Gray; piano solo, Mr Furcell Webb; song, "The Slave Song," Mrs Ogiivy (encored); song/ "The Highlandman's Toast," Mr R. J. Young (encored) ; male quartette (encored), Messrs Young, Hunn, Jago, and Gray; recitation, Mr G. R. Sykes. Before the conclusion of the programme two presentations were made. Miss E. Williams, 8.A., in a neat speech, on behalf-of the members of Knox Literary and Musical Association, presented Mr McDonald with a gold-mounted fountain pen for the keen interest he had taken in teh Society during the past winter. At a later stage Mrs H. T. Wood, on behalf of the members of Knox Church and the outlying districts, presented Mr McDonald with a valuable gold watch and gold albert, as a mark of their appreciation of his good work during his short stay here, and the wish was expressed that it would serve to remind him that he would ever occupy a warm place in the hearts of his many Masterton friends.

After doing justice to an excellent supper, which had been provided by the ladies, all present joined in dinging "Auld Lang Syne, "and thus terminated one of the largest gatherings of its kind £ever held in Masterton.