COMMUNITY WORKERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1940, Page 6

COMMUNITY WORKERS

MAJOR AND MRS J. MAHAFFIE FAREWELLED POPULAR SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS. TRIBUTE PAID TO SERVICES. There was a large and representative gathering in the Salvation Army Citadel, Masterton, last, night, when a public farewell was tendered to Major and Mrs. J. Mahaffie, officers in charge of the local Salvation Army Corps for the past three years. Major and Mrs. Mahaffie have been transferred to Hastings. The many speakers, representative of all sections of the community paid tribute to the work of Major and Mrs. Mahaffie during their stay in Masterton. and to their excellent personal qualities. Mr. W. Trudgeon was in the chair.

Sergeant-Major S. Mason, on tehalf of the Young People’s department stated that Major and Mrs. Mahaffie had taken a keen interest in the Young People’s work and their efforts had been tireless. Mrs. J. E. Ericson, in apologising for the absence of Major Ericson, stated that, the children at Whatman Home would miss Major and Mrs. Mahaffie. During their three years’ stay in Masterton they had held many happy services at the home. On behalf of the staff, children and officers of the home she wished to thank Major and Mrs. Mahaffie for their services. Captain Maddison, leader of the Songster Brigade, added his tributes to the work of the departing officers, and thanked them for their services. The secretary of the Masterton Y.M.C.A., Mr. C. W. Gaze, in apologising for the absence of the chairman of the board of directors. Mr. E. M. Hodder, stated that as a representative of the Y.M.C.A. he had been in close touch with Major Mahaffie, who had done excellent work in connection with the local joint Red Cross and Salvation Army appeal. Mr. Gaze also said that he had met Major Mahaffie in Wanganui, where he had been doing good work. On behalf of the Y.M.C.A. he v/ished Major and Mrs. Mahaffie success in their new sphere. He also wished to convey the good wishes of the Baptist Fellowship in Masterton. Band-Sergeant W.<Leighton, in paying a tribute to Major Mahaffie’s personal qualities, stated that members of the local corps would be missing a great friend. Major Mahaffie and his three sons were valuable bandsmen and their services would be very much missed. Mrs. O. R. Fairbrother, leader of the Young People’s work also referred eulogistically to the work of Major and Mrs. Mahaffie. As an indication of their popularity the local corps had written to the Salvation Army 1-lead-

quarters asking for an extension of their stay in Masterton. Unfortunately an extension had not been granted. Mrs. Fairbrother thanked Mrs. Mahaffie for her good work in connection with the Home League and Sunday School work.

“We have all worked with Major Mahaffie in happy and brotherly circumstances. He has always taken a fair share of the association's work." stated the president of the Masterton Minister's Association, the . Rev. David McNeur. "He has left his mark in the public schools and members of the association deeply regret breaking a friendship.” Mr. McNeur apologised for the absence of the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich; and the Rev. J. Davie and H. Taepa owing to their attending meetings. He referred to the association he had had with Major Mahaffie during the Intercessory services held in the Opera House. He was glad that the Major was going forward and moving upwards. Mr. McNeur presented Major and Mrs. Mahaffie with a gift as j a token of the esteem' in which they i were held and as a reminder of the fellowship they had had will) the Ministers' Association.

"In Major Mahaffie we have a man of settled convictions. He lias known and proclaimed a changeless Christ in a changing world." said the Rev. 11. S. Kings, representing the Methodist denomination. He added his personal tributes to Major Mahaffie. On behalf of St. Matthew's Parish, the Rev. V. W. Joblin expressed pleasure at Major Mahaffie’s promotion, stating that the Major had been a coworker in the spreading of the Christian doctrine. He considered that Hastings would be the richer for Major ivr,-c ivfnhn(Tie’s presence there.

In reply Mrs. Mahaffie thanked all members of the local corps for their co-operation during her stay in Masterton. She also thanked the teachers of the Sunday School for their work. Major Mahaffie also thanked all who had assisted him in his work in Masterton. A lesson was read by Miss J. Greenwood. A solo was sung by Mrs. A. lloare and Major and Mrs. Mahaffie sang a duet. Miss B. Fairbrother played the accompaniments. Following the serving of supper opportunity was taken by those present to say their farewells to the departing officers. Major and Mrs. Mahaffie and family left Masterton this morning for their < new home in Hastings. ,