FAREWELL SOCIAL TO THE REV. T. A. HAMILTON.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2365, 4 June 1892, Page 3

FAREWELL SOCIAL TO THE REV. T. A. HAMILTON.

Wc continue our report of the above, which was held on Wednesday evening in the Drillshed, Temuka. After the first part of the musical portion of the programme had deon completed, the Rev. Mr Hamilton was invited to a seat upon the platform, and seats were also found for the Revs. J. Preston, J. Dickson, and J. Dcllow, and Messrs P. Waveing, E. C. Dane, and J. Kahu. The chairman (Mr J. Talbot), then said that they were now called upon to consider the serious part of the evening’s proceedings, namely, the formal leavetaking with their pastor. It an occasion that called for regret and serious reflection —for regret, because they were losing a faithful minister, who had served them well for over nine years; for reflection because his departure marked another, change in the affairs of their church and parish. When he looked back to his first association with the church, when his friend Mr Preston had sole charge of the then wide parish, he was much impressed with the changes that had taken place. In those days the parish could not boast of much organisation —now it was well found in every respect. He was glad to sec such a very large attendance that evening, because it demonstrated plainly the respect iu which their pastor was held. Ho had risen superior to any difficulties of creed, and had earned the respect of all denominations. It might be asked : Why was Mr Hamilton leaving ! The special reasons for the change were known to Mr Hamilton and the Bishop, but he (the speaker) desired to say the idea did not emanate from the congregation. They were aware of his worth, and he could assure them that when Mr Hamilton left the whole community would suffer a loss. Whether in health, trouble, or sickness be was always at their call, and he was in sympathy with every action of their livers. He left behind him an unblotted record of noble and unselfish work. He came to a struggling parish with the barest of parochial machinery. Ho left them comparatively free of debt, and with a splendid parish room recured mainly by his exei’tious. A great source of regret would also be that in loring Mr Hamilton they also lost Mrs Hamilton, who had proved a most worthy helpmeet to him. She was always at hand to cheer and comfort, and many in that room would miss the sight of hexpleasant and sympathetic face. He was asked that evening by the congregation to present to Mr and Mrs Hamilton a purse of sovereigns as a mark of the esteem in which they were held, It was not so heavy a one as they could have wished, but he asked Mr Hamilton to accept it in the spirit in which it was offered, and ixot from its intrinsic value. He regretted that his lack of eloquence prevented him from doing justice to the occasion, bxxt he yielded to no man in his appreciation of Mr Hamilton’s sterling character. Personally, he had been much cheered by Mr Hamilton’s sympathy with him in a time of affliction, aixd no doubt others in that room had had similar experiences. There might, perhaps, occasionally have been periods of friction or irritation, but he was sure the only memory Mr Hamilton would leave behind him would be of his many good qualities. He now begged hix- acceptance of the gift of his congregation and friends, and wished him and his family all future happiness and prosperity. ' Mr Hamilton having received the purse, Mr J. Kahu stopped forward, and, on. behalf of the natives at the Arowhenua Pah, presented Mr Hamilton with a silver-plated biscuit box, handsomely chased and engraved, a pair of silver salt-cellars, and a number of Maori satchels, etc. After the applause which followed the presentations had .subsided,

The Rev. T. A. Hamilton said that lie was deeply touched at receiving |l\eir. spontaneous gifts, wljich he had neither expected nor closured. Since he had lived amongst them he had only looked to dq his duty, as became one who had beep bred in the naval service. Sometimes hp might have failed, Jmt he thought he might say that he had always had the courage of his opinions, and had tried tfr carry "them through. Now that he was leaving them, however, he looked back more at what he had not done., than ai what he had accomplished, but lie believed they would credit him with trying to do his best for the parish. As to the reason s for his leaving, they might bo briefly summed up. He had felt that l\e was getting as it were run down, and needed a rest or change. The bishop had offered him several positions ip tl\e porth, and subsequently the parish of Te Ngawai, and this, really by force of circumstances, ho accepted. Had he thought that they really desired to retain Iqg services as he now fqU fhey did he would have endeavored to have arranged for a temporary change for six months, which wopM have afforded him the needed rest and variety. Mr Talbot had made very kindly reference to Mrs Hamilton. He thanked them on her belli)tf. .She had always taken great interest in the affairs of the parish, and had helped him in every way. He advised all young .men to get a similar helpmeet. He wished to thank the vestries of ’Winchester and Temuka for all their faithful work and assistance. Hu recalled with gratitude the unobtrusive help and advice rendered by Mi C. J.Rayner,the liberality of Mr Gladstone, and of many others, It was almost unnecessary to remind them of Mr Pinckney’s services, They had been equal to those of a curate ever since Mr Boddington’s misson some years ago, Practically all his spare time was given to the Church. The goucial machinery of the- parish was'’how in good order. They would remember that when he came to them parish was just newly constituted, and everything was in a disorganised condition. Now the cluirches and parsonage were free of debt, and they had two splendid school rooms. Whoever came to take charge now would find everything in good order and easy to work. He now passed on to think of the children. One of ipost painful cinuiipstapcciy ip connection with their departure was tffe thought of parting with children whom they had watched growingup under their care. There were many of them in the Sunday 'Schools at Temuka and Winchester, and of these schools lie could say without egotism that they were sccopd to none in the polony. I He wished in connection with this_ to 1 place uu record the valuable services

rendered by Mr Robert Smith, and Milt. Pinckney tin- .••.uperhitenclents. While speaking of schools' lie was reminded of the honor the school committee desired to do him in nominating him to the Education Board. Ho thanked them very much for doing so, hut lie fell, that as lie was going to a new parish, where much had to bo done in reorganisation, he could not afford to accept their kind nomination. He had always taken a keen interest in educational matters, and should continue to do so. In connection with the school he might mention his Bible Class there, of which he had been pleasingly reminded that evening. One of his scholars had slipped into his hand a morocco letter case, and a lot of visiting cards. The case was engraved as follows ; “ Presented to the Rev. T. A. Hamilton, June 1, 1892, by his young friends at Temuka.” The gift, he was told, was from those in the class, irrespective of creed, and he should value it as long as he lived. Ho had also to thank his Maori friends for their gifts, which Mrs Hamilton and himself would always value, they were “ Kaipai.” Ho was glad when leaving to ho able to refer with pleasure to his associations with other denominations. He had never made mountains of the non-essentials of religion,and had always succeeded in working iu a friendly way with brother ministers. He desired to leave them now with a watchword “ Progress.” He wished to see both material, social, and spiritual progress. The latter they would arrive at by studying their master model, Jesus Christ, and strh iig to follow in His footsteps. In conclusion he again thanked them f»r their gifts and wished the parish every success.

Three cheers were then given for Mr and Mrs Hamilton.

Mr Hamilton said ho had one more duty to perform, and that was te> acknowledge on Mrs Hamilton’s behalf a gift of a gold brooch and set of napkin rings, from her scholars at the Sunday school. They had sent with their offering a very kind letter, which expressed their appreciation of her kindness and love, and their desire to be always remembered as they should remember her. All he could say on Mrs Hamilton’s behalf and his own was that they should never forget their Temuka friends, young or old,but should look back to their stay among them as the brightest period of their lives (applause). The chairman then read an apology for absence from Mr Inwood, and also explained that many Winchester friends were unable to be present as they were celebrating the birthday of their patriarch (Mr Young). The Revs, J. Dickson and Dellow each then said a few words appropriate to the occasion, and they were followed by the Rev. J. Preston, who make a very cheery speech, recalling the early days of the parish. He assured Mr Hamilton that in his new district-he would receive a hearty welcome and make many warm friends. Mr P. Wareing also made brief mention of the esteem in which Mr and Mrs Hamilton were held outside their own congregation. Ho should feel that he was losing personal friends when they left, but wished them every happiness and prosperity. He was certain they would be appreciated wherever they might go. This concluded the formal business. Refreshments of excellent quality and infinite variety were then supplied, by a committee of ladies, after winch there were a fpw mure musical selections. Those comprised the overture from “ The Bohemian Girl ” by the Quintette Party ; “Whispering Angels,” by the Rev. J. Dellow ; “ Wrecked and Saved,” Mr E. Whitehead ; “ Queen of the Earth,” Mr J. MoGaskill; « iNimareth,” Mr 11. Foster, and a violin solo by Mr G. Morris, accompanied by Dr Morris upon the piano. This latter item was redemanded. One of the features of the evening was the high character of the mqsip. all lovers of which received £i perfect treat. The last ifem on the programme, after the customary votes of thanks, was a farewell song by the Maoris, which was loudly applauded. Tlip pi'ocppdings, which it will bo aepq ivprp of an exceptionally interesting character, terminated shortly before twelve o’clock.