PRESENTATION TO THE REV. G.H.

Colonist, Volume XVII, Issue 1838, 19 November 1874, Page 5 (Supplement)

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. G.H.

JOHNSTONE,

The Bey. Or. H. Jolmsfcone, who, having resigned the incumbency of Christchurch, is proceeding to the West Coast, was on October 31st, invited to attend at Messrs. Adams and Kingdon's offices. He was (here met by the Rev. P. Calder, Presbyterian Minister, Messrs. D. Bough, I\ C. Simmons, A. S. Collins, J. Oldhain, and A. Adams, who represented the subscribers to'a testimonial to the Eev. &. H. Johnstone. Captain Bough after a few most appropriate words, as Mr. Jobnstone's oldest friend then present, after reading the following address presented the testimonial: — To the Bet. Gk H. Johnstone, 8.A., late Incumbent of Christchurch, Nelson. Eeverend and Dbab Sib, —We, the undersigned and many of your friends and late parishioners, have thought that you ought not to be suffered to leave a town to which you have given so many years of your life, and which has hitherto owed so much •to your liberal mind and genial temper, without some expression of our cordial friendship. We know that one feature in our humble offering will giye you no small gratification. Almost, if not quite, all denominations are represented in it, though there has been no soliciting of subscriptions. We have no pressed men among us, and those of us beyond the pale of your own church have been emphatically volunteers. A Btnall society like ours cannot but feel the loas of a scholar so accomplished, a man of such wide and varied information and experience, so genial and kind-hearted a gentleman, and one so interested in the welfare of Nelson. Be assured you carry away with you our best wishes for your health, happiness, and prosperity in the new scene of your labors. We present our gift— " JParvuni non parvi pignus amoris ' —in the form of a purse, begging that you will yourself choose a keepsake, which will remind you of your Nelson friends. We are, &c. [Here follow the signatures] Mr. Johnstoue accepted the address and the gift with a few simple but most feeling words of grateful acknowledgment. His Honor Mr. Justice Bichniond, the Hon. E. W. Stafford, William Adams, Esq., and many other gentlemen have expressed their regret that they were unable to be present on this occasion.