OTAGO.

Hawke's Bay Weekly Times, Volume 2, Issue 90, 21 September 1868, Page 228

OTAGO.

PRESENTATION TO THE Rev. Hr. BURNS. (From tlie Otago Argus, Septomber 5.) On the 31st ult. a deputation of gentlemen, consisting of Messrs Mercer, Kilgour, Sour cess, Oliver, and Thomson, waited on tiie Rev. T. Barns, D D., and presented him with a testimonial from a number of old colonists and friends, consisting of a group of plate. The presentation was made by Mr Thomson, and the Rev. Dr. replied as follows: “ Dear Friends —It is impossible for me to he anything but gratified, and gratified in no ordinary degree, with such a testimonial as that which you have been commissioned to present unto me. At the same time, unfortunately, it is just as impossible for me to find suitable words iu which to give adequate expression to these gratified feelings. The testimonial itself is a thing of such costliness aud beauty that to see. it is to admire it. Each separate article composing the testimonial is itself a perfect gem of art—a specimen of most exquisite workmanship. And now, when I look upon them all gathered together before me, I feel that it would indeed be surpri-ing if such an assemblage uf brightness of beauty should fail to command the highest admiration of every one. I must, however,'say that its intrinsic excellence and beauty is not, in my estimation, the chief or highest recommendation of this testimonial. These costly pieces of plate no doubt possess a value of their own which no criticism can deprive them of. Still, when you inform me that the purpose and intention of you and your friends in making a gift of them to me is that they shall remain in my house as a valued and abiding token of your personal esteem and regard towards myself, it is then that the effect of this intimation is seen in imparting a new aud special character of sacredness to your gift, enhancing its value, and changing its nature. I, indeed, put a very, high value upon your .elegant gift; but I put a far higher value, and a value of a very different kind, upon those warm and kindly feelings towards myself that prompted the gifts. Your testimonial has found me far advanced down the vale of years—laid aside from public duty—my work on earth apparently very nearly done —my remaining days or years probably brief —still the memory of your present kindness will all the more be ,a source of pleasing remembrance to me. It will soothe me in many a weary hour. It will accompany my latest steps to the brink of the grave. • And then in accordance with your own kind wishes, the different articles of this testimonial will be equally divided amongst the different members of my family, who, in sharing the inheritance of their father’s testimonial, will, doubtless, fail not to take up the inheritance of their father’s gratitude.” The group consisted of two salvers, an inkstand, a cake basket, a cruet frame, and a tureen. Each article bears the following inscription:—“Presented to the Rev Thomas Burns, D D., .First Minister in Otago, N.Z., by a number of old colonists and friends. Dunedin, August 31, 1863.” The whole of the articles have been manufactured by Mr Salomon, Prince-street, and are very creditable, specimens of the silversmith’s handicraft.