THE REV.L.M. ISITT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3801, 4 May 1891, Page 3

THE REV.L.M. ISITT.

SYDENHAM'S FAREWELLS AND PRESENTATIONS.

For weeks past, indeed ever since the news was wired from Auckland that the Wesleyan Conference had not granted the wish ot the Sydenham people to be allowed to retain his services, active prepirations nave been made by the members of the Sydenham Wesleyan congregation and others who have watched his work, to give the Rhv. L. 51. Isitt a thoroughly good "send-off." These efforts culminated last uipht in one of the most successful soirees and publkfceetings ever held in theOddfellonWHall. The Committee experienced no difficulty of any sort. Everyone offered assistance, and nearly a thousand tickets were sold at the modest charge of a shillingMr Edwards provided a most satisfactory tea, to which about six hundred and fifty persons sat down Afterwards a public meeting was held, the hall being crowded. The

platform was eccnpied by the choir of the Wesleyan Church, augmented v> *rjy members of other choirs, who, " J tmder Mr Galtry's baton, sang selections at intervals. The chair was occupied by the Mayor, Mr G. T. Booth, who expressed the regret they all fels it losing Mr Isitt. He was not going far away, however, and would visit them from time to time. The Rev W. Morley expressed the pleasure he felt at Mr Isitt's coming to.Christchurch to work as his (the speaker's) colleague. He had known Mr Isitt and had watched his wor'for over fourteen years, and could testify to the thoroughness with which that work was accomplished, and to his many good qualities. Outside the church the rev gentleman had proved himself a champion of every good ir-ovement, and he congratulated him on his recent success in the cause of prohibition. The work of the church would not suffer while they had such faithful and devoted ministers as Mr Isitt. That gentleman could safely say, " Kemember the words that I spake unto you while I was yet with you.*' MrsDelamere, on behalf of the

members of the Prohibition League, asked Mr Isitt to accept of a purse of -'•'sovereigns aB a memento from them of his triumphant victory on behalf of their cause. Mr J A Caygill also asked Mr Isitt to accept a similar present from personal friends and admirers who did not belong to his church or to the League. They had found him a thoroughly good fellow, full oi bread sympathies, able to lead men t in moral and social ways, and s ready and willing to help others and make them enjoy themselves in an intelligent manner.

Mr C. Hall, leader of the young ** men's gymnasium, on behalf of the young men of Sydenham, for whom, he said, Mr Isitt had worked wonders, asked his acceptance of a marble clock bearing the inscription, "Farewell Memento, Rev L M Isitt, from Members of Sydenham Gymnasium, April, 1891." Each of the presentations was the signal for immense cheering. Mr Isitt's reply was brief, but to the point. He was not taken by surprise at the presents or the gathering, as no secret had been made of either. He "\sras not overcome by their kindness, because he could bear with a good deal, and their presents and kind remarks would stimulate him in his future work. He had been so happy during his stay in Sydenham that he regretted leaving them, and would always keep them in remembrance. He congratulated his successor (the Rev J. N. Buttle) on having come to a place where be would meet so many true friends. The Bevs. J. O'Brien Hoare, H. B. Cocks (Episcopalian), F. R. Monro, (Presbyterian), and Edwards (F.M.F.C.), delivered addresses eulogistic of Mr Isitt and his work, fad the proceedings closed at a late our- —Lyttelton Times.

A man narred Bernard de Ferns was arrested at Tenui yesterday on a charge of obtaining money under fals9 pretences. He was brought before twc justices at Masterton this afternoon and remanded to Wellington.