PATEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 42, 20 February 1939, Page 9

PATEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FAREWELL TO STUDENT. (Own Correspondent.) PATEA, Feb. 18. Mr W. Watt was farewelled by members of Knox Presbyterian Church, Patea, last Thursday evening, prior to his departure for Dunedin to serve a term at Knox College for the ministry. Mr. J. A. Haswell, chairman, apologised for the absence of Rev. E. Francis Farr, whose wedding was taking place in Auckland. A short programme enjoyed was a pianoforle solo by Miss Margaret Naismith; vocal solos by Mesdames MacDonald, F. Lund, T. Cardiff, Miss Naismith and Mr. L. Huston, and recitations by Miss Anne Hall. Mr. Haswell expressed appreciation to Mr. Watt for the work he had done

for the church, a vast amount of it being amongst the youth. He had been an example to the younger congregation, and was undertaking a long and arduous task but would succeed. Mr. Haswell then presented Mr. Watt with a handsome travelling rug, wishing him all success in his career, from the whole of the church. Mr. Sutherland, on behalf of the combined Bible classes, presented Mr. Watt with a cheque, saying that his personality and sincerity had been an inspiration to every member to follow. Mr. K. Carmichael paid tribute to the parents of Mr. Watt who had always done all they possibly could to help on the country Bible classes, and without this home influence they may not have been able to wish "Bill” Godspeed. Messrs. Keith Tarrant, ex-leader of Bible classes, and H. Ward (Auroa) also spoke. Replying, Mr. Watt said he regretted having to leave everyone, but the strength and inspiration he had received from the Bible Classes would inspire his work. His interest in the Bible class and church and its influence on his life far more than compensated him for anything he had done. The best investment the young people could make was to take an interest in their church. He thanked the speakers for their kind remarks, and his friends for their gifts, and his family for making the sacrifice to allow him, to carry on. Letters were read from Rev. Farr and Rev. R. Patchett, and telegrams from Miss Anne Huston (Auckland) and Mr. J. Huston (Matamata). After supper, "Auld Lang Syne” concluded the evening, the younger people entering into games, etc.