Personal.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 177, 24 June 1884, Page 3

Personal.

A very pleasant social gathering took place at Bulls on Friday night on the occasion of a farewell concert to Mr. and Mrs. Abraham who are leaving that township to take up their residence m Palmerston, Mr Abraham having become a partner m the firm of Messrs Stevens and Gorton. After the interval, the Rev. Mr. Dodwell, m a well-chosen speech, spoke eulogistically of Mr. aud Mrs Abraham m regard to their work m connection with the Church, and read the following addresses, which, he said, were to be illuminated :— ' To Richard Slingsby Abraham, Esq. Dear Sir.— We, tho curate, churchwarden, and vestrymen of St. Andrew's Church, m expressing our own regret and that of the parishioners at your departure from Bulls wish to assure you of our cordial appreciation of your zealous and indefatigable exertions m the cause of the Church during your residence m our midst. As lay reader, superintendent of the Sunday school, and local treasurer of the General Church Fund, you have rendered services the import ahce of which cannot be exaggerated. We do not forget, also, that it is mainly to you that we owe the pretty church of St. Andrew's. We pray that Almighty God may accompany you to your new home, and bless yourself and your family m all things. We remain, dear sir, yours very faithfully, J. C. Dodwell, 8.A., Curate J. R. Harped, Churchwarden James N. Frood, George Mitchell, X C. E. Nicholas, Henry Baddeley, George Wicks, Bulls, June 20, 1884. Vestrymen. To Mrs R. S. Abraham, Dear Madam,— We must claim the privilege of saying our "Farewell " and tendering our thanks to you separately from your husband. The many services you have done the Church m this place have been enhanced by the cheerful grace with which you have have invariably rendered them. The talent and assiduous attention you have bestowed on the musical portion of our Church services will long be gratefully acknowledged, and the remembrance of your example cherished by those who have had. the pleasure of being associated with you m Church; work m this parish. Praying that heaven's choicest blessings may be yours, we are, dear madam, with much respect, yours faithfully. (Here follow the same signatures as m the former address.) Mr Dodwell said that no doubt a more substantial token of their respect would have been readily subscribed for, but Mr and Mrs Abraham, m their unselfishness, had signified their preference to receive the good wishes of the people simply. Mr Abraham replied m suitable terms, thanking oil for their kind wishes to his wife and to himself, aud saying that Bulls would always hold a warm corner m their hearts.