PRESENTATION TO DEAN HARPER

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1733, 25 April 1913, Page 8

PRESENTATION TO DEAN HARPER

For more than fifty-sis ycfnrs the name ot Harper has been honourably associated with Church work in 'the diocese of ChristcHurch (says the Christchurch "Prscs"). There arc siill many who revere the uamo of the first liishop. It is but a year or two si lire his son, Archdeacon Harper, retired i'lpni active work after more than fifty years of faithful I service. And now tho Dean has been compelled, by failing health, to resign Iho olheo which he has so honourably and faithfully filled. .His many friends and admirers, both among (ho clergy and laity, felt that it was not filling that he should Ih> allowed to retire without somo expression of their respect and esteem for his character, and of llieir appiceia--lion of his long and faithful services to the diocese. Had his health permitted.' a public meeting of friends and admirers would have lwen a fitting, occasion .to assure him of their respect, esteem, and sympathy. But those who knew him felt that this would have broil a tvyiflij ordeal for him, and therefore a dqyutalion of clergy and laity waited upon him urtd presented 'to liini a cheque, to which tho Church members from all quarters nf tho diocese hud -irilli iikl.v subscribed. Tho Jlean feelingly acknowledged ' his Kivitiludo both for the practical expression of sympathy and for tho manner in which it had been made. All who knew him cherish the liopo t-ha'l wltL enitnlete rest and freedom from responsibility'and care, his health may soon bo rcslored, I and that years cf useful work dill Jie, before him, '/ •