VALEDICTORY SOIREE TO REV. MR GRIFFITH. AT TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2769, 12 April 1890, Page 2

VALEDICTORY SOIREE TO REV. MR GRIFFITH. AT TE AWAMUTU.

The Rev. Mr Griffith, Wesleyan Minister, has removed to another curcuit, but before going, .his congregation and other friends entertained him fit a farewell soirco and concert. Mr Griffith, during his stay here, has made himself popular, not only with the members of his own congregation, but with all other church members, and his departure has occasioned much regret among his numerous friends. On Tuesday, Ist inst., a soiree was held in the Public Hall, followed by a concert. Tea was laid atb p.m., the following ladies presided at the various tab les Mesdames Kirk, Ellis, Rogers, Miller, and Miss Bridgman (for Mrs John Bridgman.) Misses Carley and Hollo way presided at the bachelors table. The hall was filled, in fact there were three re-lays. The ladies who did the cooking excelled m this useful art. After the tables were removed the Rev. Mr Garland took the chair, when the following programme was gone through Pianoforte duet, Missps Archer ; song, Miss Chappel; address' by tha Rev. Mr Meiklejohn; song, " Far Away," Mrs Andrew; song, "Children's Voices," Miss J. Miller; Pianoforte duet, Misses Lowther and Patter; recitation, " Horatius," Mr Howard; song, "White Wings," Miss Chappell. At this stage Mr R. T. Millar, on behalf of the congregation, gave a valedictory address. Mr Millar eulogised Mr Griffith's efforts in the cause of religion, enlarging upon the quiet and unassuming manner in which Mr Griffith's carried on his good work. Though unassuming, his manner was none the less effectual. He had won the love and respect of not only Wealeyans, but also of the members of the other Christian bodies. Mr Millar paid a high tribute to Mr Griffith's very evident sincerity and love of his work, and in concluding a very eloquent address (which was frequently applauded), he wished Mr Griffith and family, on behalf of all present, God speed, and expressed the hope that he would be long spared in his career of usefulness. He felt sure his worth would be thoroughly appreciated wherever his lot was cast. The audience by their hearty applause on the conclusion of the speech showed how fully they endorsed all Mr Millar had said. Following Mr Millar, the Rev. Mr Boler delivered an address, Mr Griffith replied to Mr Millars' speech in very suitable words and thanked the speaker and the audience for their very kind wishes. Song, "The Lost Chord/ Mr Burgess; song, "Anchored," Mr G. D. Hunter; " The Song that Reached My Heart" Miss Carley. Mr Garland then moved a vote of thanks to the ladies which was carried with applause. The usual vote to the chair having been passed, the doxology was sung and the benediction pronounced by Mr Boler, the people dispersed. Much regret was expressed at Mr Vause's unavoidable absence, lie was on duty at the telegraph office owing to the Governor's visit to the Caves, and so was unable to attend. Mr Patterson played the accompaniments on the organ.