TRIBUTE TO CANON WILLIAMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 250, 21 October 1924, Page 8

TRIBUTE TO CANON WILLIAMS.

SYNOD'S APPRECIATION. FIFTEEN YEARS' SERVICE. Appreciation of the unique services rendered by Canon P. T. Williams to the Church of the Province of New Zealand during the fifteen year 6in which he had been warden of St. John's College was placed on record yesterday by the Diocesan Synod. Rev. E. 11. Strong said he had used the word "unique" advisedly when framing the motion. When Canon Williams was appointed in 190!) to the important and responsible position of warden, the college was trying to emerge out of a state of chaos, and lie had great obligations. If the whole of the Anglican Communion had been searched, a better man could not have been found to take the position. Mr. Strong instanced the warden's unfailing generosity. Members of the synod would remember that he had paid "for tlie water supply, and there were many in the ministry of the Church who might never have been ordained had it not been for the fact that M-r. Williams had put his hand in his pocket. His generosity would ever be a treasured memory. When he returned from rigorous service abroad during the war. Canon Williams cheerfully endured poor living conditions, and it was due to his "sticking to it" that his health was broken to-day. "We owe this great man a very great debt of gratitude," said Mr. Strong, who quoted Wordsworth's words concerning the "record of little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love." Reference to Canon Williams' heroic work in the Melanesian Missioii many years ago was made by several speakers. Archdeacon Cowic told how. on one occasion, a Melanesian chief had threatened the life of Canon Williams. For three months he had to walk warily, and it war, said that he kept a rifle by him at the prayer desk during service. Reference was also made to the kindly character of Mrs. Williams. The duty of conveying the Synod's appreciation to Canon Williams was deputed to the Bishop, who endorsed the remarks of other speakers.