OUR HAVELOOK LETTER.

Marlborough Express, Volume XII, Issue 903, 21 March 1877, Page 6

OUR HAVELOOK LETTER.

[From our own correspondent.} On Sunday evening last the Eov. Mr Ronaldson delivered his farewell sermon here, m St Peter's church, to the largest congregation eyer assembled. His text was taken from the third, chapter of the Ephesians, and part of the Bfch verse, " I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Each denomination was well represented, and marked interest exhibited throughout his discourse. Pew clergymen have left the scene of their former labors with more earnest good wishes than the rev. gentfeman carries with him ; his constant genial manner has endeared him to so many that regret for|his departure will be universal. On Tuesday last a special gathering of settlers met mMr York's paddock near Canvas Town, (where a very nice tea had been to wish the Rev. Mr Ronaldson good-bye ; all present seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and cordially wished him God speed and pleasant settlement once more. To-day another tea-party for the same purpose, combined with parochial matters, was held at the Town Hall, inHaveloek, and after partaking sumptuously of the good things prepared by our old friend Mrs Gwillim, a presentation of a very neat silver tea service, and written testimonial, was made to the Rev. Mr Ronaldson on behalf of the presenters, by Mr C. H. Mills, who, on presenting it, said that while he knew everyone present felt great pleasure m meeting their old pastor this evening, the lion's share had certainly been allowed him, m the pleasant task he had to perform. He jthen addressed the rev. gentleman, and read the following : — "Havelock, March 13, 1877. " Rev. William Ronaldson. "Dear Sir, — When handing you this small token of our esteem, I have great pleasure m mentioning thab it is the result of a small equal collection from your numerous friends throughout our district, who wish me to convey with it their heartfelt appreciation of your earnest endeavors, to always promote our spiritual and eternal welfare. " We sincerely recognise your past labor and continued exertions, which by the grace of God, tas no doubt often conveyed r hppe with comfort, and sbed a glorious light around the path He has assigned to your care. " We earnestly pray that both yourself, Mrs Ronaldson, and family may long enjoy the temporal blessings of this life, and live to carry out the noble task which the Almighty has been pleased to allot you, always recollecting that wherever you may reside our warmest sympathy will attend your steps, accompanied by earnest prayer that such efforts may be crowned with success. "C.H. Mills, • " For the Prasentora." Mr Ronaldson most feelingly replied on behalf of himself and family, who he assured them all would never forget the many kindnesses he had always received, and felt quite unequal to

express his feelings m words suitable ; bafc invoked a Divine blessing on all. After some very excellent music had been rendered by some of the ladies and gentlemen, the Doxology was sung, and a benediction pronounced, which terminated one of the most pleasant evenings experienced for some time.