PUBLIC FAREWELL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1942, Page 2

PUBLIC FAREWELL

RIGHT REV. JOHN DAVIE TOWN & DISTRICT TRIBUTE. GATHERING IN McGREGOR HALL. A public farewell was tendered last night in the McGregor Hall to the Rt Rev John Davie, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, who left this morning for his new charge at Gisborne. There was a representative gathering, including many members of out-district areas and of other churches. Mr T. F. Watson presided. A hymn was sung and the Rev. David McNeur, of the Lansdowne Presbyterian Church, led the gathering in prayer. The Rev. J. H. Combes, of Pahiatua, Moderator of the Wairarapa Presbytery, spoke on behalf of the district. The Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich said Mr Davie had taken a full share of work and., all churches would feel a real loss in his going. He had represented the Scottish Church and his fellowship had been greatly appreciated. Mr Davie, observed the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, had always been ready to assist anything for the well-being of Master ton/'Mr Jordan said he had often sought Mr Davie’s advice and on the first occasion on which he had stood for the Mayoralty, Mr Davie was one of those who had signed his nomination paper. Gisborne would remember this August by the coming of the rail-* way and of the Rt. Rev. J. Davie.

On behalf of the ladies’ organisations of the church, Miss Lois McGregor said Mr Davie had always given them full assistance and their prayers would follow him in his new sphere of work. Mr G. D. Wilson, session clerk, made reference to his long friendship with Mr Davie. During his twenty years’ ministry in Masterton, in which they had been through some difficult times, Mr Davie had done much good work. He had always given and had seldom taken anything from them. Mr Wilson presented Mr Davie with a cheque.

Mrs G. W. Morice presented Miss Alison Davie with a travelling case and also with a tea set for Miss Winsome Davie. 1 Miss A. Davie replied. Mr Davie, who was received with enthusiasm, spoke feelingly of the work and support of the congregation, of his affection for Masterton and of his happy outside relationships. Contributions to the evening’s programme were given by the following: Mesdames Snowsill, Speight and Heyder, vocal trio; Miss Grant, recitation; Mrs N. H. Prior and Mr G. Masters, vocal solos. ' Supper was served by a ladies’ committee. ST. ANDREW SOCIETY PRESENTATION FROM MEMBERS. Mr Davie, a foundation member of the St. Andrew Society, was present as the guest of the society at a gathering held on Saturday night. In view of his impending departure from Masterton, a small presentation was made to him in recognition of his past services to the Society. In making the presentation, the Chief, Mr Mackenzie Douglas, referred to the consistent support received from Mr Davie, and to his able assistance in giving talks on matters of Scots historical interest. In a happily expressed reply, Mr Davie returned thanks for the kindly feelings that had prompted the gift, and undertook, on some future visit to Masterton, to attend a gathering and give a further talk. He referred to the great work being accomplished by the society in the community in the cultivation of the Scottish spirit.

The presentation took the form of two books on Scottish travel, suitably inscribed.