PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2353, 7 May 1892, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. TEMUKA.

A social gathering was held in the Now Hall, Tomuka, on Thursday evening to accord a welcome to the Rev. J. Dickson upon his return from the Old Country, and to express farewell to his substitute, tho Rev. J. Watters, who during his. temporary charge of the «fl oc k ” has won for himself many ■friends. Tim social was promoted solely by ladies of the congregation, and it is therefore needless to say that every detail that could add te its success was carefully attended to. The seats were uJngged so that conversation could be carried on pleasantly, and those essential elements of parochial gatherings—tea and ca ke were not only of the best, but were Jxo temptingly displayed upon side tables ' that it is scarcely to be wondered that their consumption occupied the greater

part of an hour. Prior to this part of the businojs, however, the Rev. Mr McKee, who presided, gave a brief opening add ’ess, and the Rev. W. Gillie ', engaged in prayer. Miss Lily Brown, supported by a choir from members of the various churches, sang “ God Bless the Princa of Wales,” After tea had been handed round Miss Cooper played as a pianoforte solo variations upon “ Home, Sweet Home,” acquitting hors If particularly well. Mr McKee then formally welcomed Mr Dickson, who in responding expressed his hearty thanks for the cordial manner in which they had received him upon his return from a visit to the Old Country. He for his part was pleased to Lee them again, to look upon their bright, happy faces, and feel the grasp of their hands. He was more particularly pleased, however, to come back and find them dwolMng together in unity. It was a great source of consolation to him to think that he had left the congregation under the charge of his esteemed friend, the Rev. Mr Waters. He found upon his return that their district showed signs of prosperity, new buildings had been erected, and there was a general evidence of progress. During his absence ho had kept h’raself as much as possible in touch with the n, and their exertions in the cause of temperance had reached him at the other side of the world. Ho felt that when progrernve thought upon this subject demanded another stand to *bo made Temuka would bo found upon the right s ; de. Mr Dickson then spoke of the route by which he had travelled, and of the countries and ..cenea visited. The passage through the Suez Canal waa most interesting. In Egypt he had visited the pyramids, the battlefield of Tel-el-Kebir, the tomb of RameLei 11,, and other relics of antiquity. He had visited the Holy Land, and travelled from Joppa to Jerusalem, to Bethany, the heights of Gorazlm, Jacob’s Well, the Plain of Azrael, the Sea of Galilee and Mount Carmel. From Palestine he had gone to Italy, visiting Herculaneum and Pompeii (the best example of Rome’s first century); then to Naples and Rome, where lie had seen the capitol, St. Peter’s, and so forth. Further north he had enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Genoa, and the picture gallerie s of Florence, and in Paris had noted the magnificent boulevards and climbed the Eiffel tower, &c. From thence he had gone to the home of his bi i uh, renewing many acquaintances and receiving many fresh impressions from 1 his contact with the busy world. He noticed briefly the principal things which had struck him, the change of climate, the condition of the farmer, and so forth; and noted the ravages made by influenza among the great men of the day as well as among the poorer classes. In his travels he had often been asked about the colony, and had always spoken highly of its climate, resources, and people. In conclusion he drew, from his own experiences a few lessons as to the Christian’s object in life. He should avoid the barrenness of an empty life, and seek always to remember that Heaven was his home, for which he 'should strive. Mr Dickson’s remarks were well received. Mr Strong then sang “ Home, boys home,” and it may be here mentioned that during the evening the choir, under Mr Rutland’s leadership, sang several part songs, and musical selections were playe 1 by Miss Findlay (piano) and by Mr Pearse upon the violin. Miss Taylor and Mr W. Smith contributed vocal solos. Miss Maggie Paterson was a perfect accompanist. The Revds, Mr Todd (Geraldine), T. A, Hamilton (Anglican, Temuka), and Gillies (Timaru), were the next speakers, each welcoming Mr Dickson to his parish and making kindly reference to the Eevd. Mr Waters. Mr James Blyth then in a brief but appropriate speech expressed on behalf of the congregation their high appreciation of the Rev. Mr Waters’ services during his stay amongst them, and begged him to accept as a small mark of the same a purse of sovereigns, subscribed by his many friends, who, should he ever come amongst them again, would give him a very cordial welcome, and in whose minds, wherever he might be, would linger kindly recollections of his associations with them. The Revd, Mr Waters feelingly responded. He had felt his position at first a peculiarly difficult one but he soon found that he was fortunate in dwelling amongst a liberal-minded and kindly people, with whom it was a comparatively easy matter to agree. The Revels. Mr Dellow (Temuka) and Clark (Fairlie Creek), also spoke briefly, after which Mr Dickson moved a vote of thanks to the ladies for promoting the social, and to the choir, soloists, and others. The meeting terminated with the Benediction.