EKETAHUNA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 August 1941, Page 7

EKETAHUNA

REV. AND MRS IVES

FAREWELL GATHERING.

(“Times-Age” Special.)

The Anglican schoolroom was filled to overflowing on Saturday night, the occasion being a farewell social gathering by the parishioners of St Cuthbert’s Church tendered to the Rev and Mrs L. Ives and family, who will leave for Okato, Taranaki, shortly. The gathering was a fully representative one and demonstrated the high esteem in which the guests are held in the town and district. The first part of the gathering was taken up with vocal, instrumental and elocutionary items by members of the company, all of which proved very enjoyable. Those who contributed to the excellent programme were Mr K. Marenzi, 'saxophone solo; Mr B. McAlister, monologue; Miss Waterreus, song; items by the Glee Singers; Nancy Fordyce, pianoforte solo; Edna Sparks, recitation; K. Smith, song; Miss-Pryde, pianoforte solo; Miss M. Wilson, song. Prior to the supper interval, Mr A. Mason, vicar’s warden, in a brief speech, referred to the sterling service which Mr and Mrs Ives had given in the parish during their 51 years’ residence here. In wishing the guests happiness and success in the future, Mr Mason handed Mr Ives an electric toaster, a set of afternoon tea knives and forks, and a cheque. Mr A. H. Herbert spoke in a similar strain. He said a function of this sort was a sad one. Mr Ives had proved himself to be full of energy and had done his work well. A man in his position was subjected to a great deal of criticism, indeed a minister of religion was generally the most criticised man in the community. Mrs Ives had proved herself a great help to the vicar, and had also been a staunch worker in, the women’s activities connected with the church. Mr Ives, he said, would go down in the history of St Cuthbert’s Church as a man who had done his best. On behalf of the congregation he wished Mr and Mrs Ives a pleasant and happy stay in Okato. The Rev Father E. J. Sweeney wished Mr Ives success in the ministry and hoped .that he and his family would spend a happy time at Okato. Mr Ives, on rising to reply, was greeted with applause. He said that Mrs Ives and he had spent .five and a.half happy years in Eketahuna. He thanked the church wardens and vestrymen for their loyalty to him; the Women’s Auxiliary and Mothers’ Union for the great help always given him and the parishioners for the gifts and good wishes. Supper, dispensed by the joint Mothers' Union and Auxiliary committees, was then served.

Dancing was enjoyed for the remainder of the gathering which concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem. Apologies for absence were received from the Rev I. K. Hopper and Dr E, M. Simmers.