PRESENTATION TO MR. W. N. RLAIR.

Kumara Times, Issue 2401, 13 May 1884, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MR. W. N. RLAIR.

Mr W. N. Blair, C.E., who is well known on the West Coast, has been presented by his colleagues in the Deacons' Court of Knox Church, Dunedin, with a gold watch, as a token of their friendship and appreciation of his services to the congregation. Mr Blair has had a long connection with Knox Church, and was convener of the building Committee of the present handsome building. The Times reports that The Rev. Dr. Stuart in making the presentation, said: " Mr Blair, the Deacons' Court has asked me to present you, before leaving for Wellington, with a token of their appreciation of your services to the congregation as one of its deacons and as convener of the Committee connected with the building of this noble Church. I have therefore to ask your acceptance of this gold watch as a memorial of "auld acquaintance," and of sacred work in

which you often led the way and bore your full share. In coming years when we meet here to transact congregational business we shall from time to time recall our friendly deliberations and devisings and fellowship, and draw from the recollection delight and inspiration. Allow me one personal reference: Since your adhesion to Knox Church—now many years ago—your kindly and considerate ways, in youth and maturer years, won my confidence. A man of affairs yet you generally found time to call on me when leaving home for a few weeks, and again on your return; and when I was well nigh overwhelmed with much sorrow, I found more than ever that your love to me was wonderful. Now that you are leaving our romantic city and the congregation in which you so long served and worshipped, I need scarcely say, that we shall all, members and of-fice-bearers, pray that you and yours may realise the presence and blessing of the living God. Peace be with you." Mr Blair feelingly and appropriately replied • indeed his last sentences were spoken under deep and overmastering emotion. The watch bore the following inscription :—" Presented to W. N. Blair, M. Inst. C. 8., by his fellow office-bearers of Knox Church, on the occasion of his leaving Dunedin, 6th May, 1884."