THE CHURTON TESTIMONIAL.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 723, 19 March 1853, Page 3

THE CHURTON TESTIMONIAL.

A Meeting of flic Subscribers to the Fund for a Memorial to (he late Rev. J. F. Churton was held in the Hall of the Mechanics’ Institute, on Wednesday. C. W. Ligar Esq,,was called out o preside. The Chairman, after a few introductory remarks, slated lhat (he contributions already obtained (five shillings being fixed as the maximum of each) made a total at present of 08/.; hut further subscriptions were daily coming in, and a list was expected from the portion of Hie 58(h regiment stationed at the Bay. Mr. Ligar proceeded to read (he following letter, which he had received from the Adjutant of the 38lh ;

Auckland, 16’tli March, 1853. Sir, —Having submitted your suggestion to Lieut. Col. VVyuyard, that the subscription towards raising a sufficient sum to erect a monument to the memory ot the late Mr. Churton should be open to the whole Regiment, whose chaplain he was for so many years, I beg to inform you that the sum of about £25 has been subscribed for that purpose, and is ready to be lodged wherever you may wish. (List from the Bay of Islands not yet received) It is with much pride the Lieut.-Colonel has seen this manifestation of good feeling on the part of the regiment under his command, so much in keeping with their services in carrying the remains of their pastor to its final resting place on the day of interment ; and coming unanimously from so large a body cannot fail to be a consolation to his sorrowing family, if anything could, at such a moment, be so under such deep affliction.

I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, H. C. Balnfavis, Lieut, and Adjt.

C. W. Ligar, Esq. A lengthened conversation look place on the points which the meeting was convened to consider, viz., {\\c nature ot tbeTeslimonialand its site. Various opinions were expressed in relation to both these points, —the differences, however, not affecting the main object of showing respect for Ihc memory of Mr. Churton, but rather arising out of an anxiety lhat such a course should he adopted as would make Ihc demonstration of that respect most suitable and impressive. One suggestion was that the money in hand, with such additional sums as could he raised for the purpose, should he appropriated either to the establishment of an additional ward to (he Hospital, or to the purchase of a piece of land, from which hereafter an income might arise sufficient to maintain some charitable object, such as an alms-house. This, after some consideration, was seen to he inconsistent wilh the terms of the heading of the Subscription List. Opinions differed also as to the question whether a portion of the funds should he applied partly to the erection of a Tablet in St. Paul’s Church, and partly to some other memorial in a public place, such as the ground within the railing of St. Paul’s Churchyard, the open space at the end of Princcsstrect, or the Cemetery where (he remains of Mr. Churton rest. Ultimately the majority decided that the whole of the fund should bo appropriated to (he ereclion of a public monument, in some such situation as would he accessible (o the subscribers of all classes and religious denominations; and (lie following gentlemen were appointed a Committee “to determine (he site of, and to erect, the said monument—Rev. F. Thatcher, Mr. J. A. Smith, Mr. J. Williamson, Mr. T. S. Forsailh, Lieut, Ralneavis, Mr. E. J. Matthews, Mr. Hugh Coolahan, and G. W. Ligar, Esq. Major Hume was then called (o the Chair, and a vole of thanks to Mr Ligar having been carried, the meeting separated.

St. Patrick's Temperance Hall. —This ornamenlal and commodious building was opened on the evening of St. Patrick’s Day (Thursday) with a Concert, as announced in our last. The Programme consisted of a judicious alternation of Instrumental and Vocal Music, the former including a choice selection from the repertoire of the Band of the 58lh Bcgt., performed with their usual excellence, and the latter of Teetotal and other Songs, which were given very effectively hy Mr. Swain, who accompanied himself on the piano forte. The Pal! was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and, crowded as it was hy a sympathising audience, presented a very animated and agreeable appearance. A platform erected at the upper end was occupied by Bishop Pompallicr, with several of his clergy, and other gentlemen, and by a number of Maori boys from St. Mary’s College,who evidently took a lively interest and pleasure in the performance. The whole passed oIT in a manner that was highly creditable, and must have been very gratifying to the Committee by whom the arrangements were made.