PRESENTATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7003, 28 April 1884, Page 3 (Supplement)

PRESENTATIONS.

On Saturday, April 19, His Excellency the Governor, at the close of an "At Home" given by Lady Jervois, invested Miss Annie Alice Crisp with the Royal Red Cross lately conferred by Her Majesty the Queen. Mi6s Crisp is the Lady Superintendent -of the nurses at the Auckland Hospital, and before her appointment to that position was for years connected with the military hospitals in England. She has served through the Zaluland and the Egyptian campaigns, bat owing to her return to Auckland to join her relatives she was not invested with the decoration by the Queen at Windsor when the other, nurses deemed worthy of the honour received this mark of distinction from Her Majesty. Sir W. Jervois, the Governor, was instructed to perform the duty of investing Miss Crisp with the decoration as the representative of Her Majesty. There was an attendance of between 500 and 600 present durintj the ceremony. His Excellency recited the principal incidents of Miss Crisp's life, spoke of the order of the Royal Red Cross which had been established by Her Majesty as an honour to tho3e ladies who distinguished themselves as nurses on the field of battle, and then fixed the Red Cross above the medals which Miss Crisp already wears. Lond cheering followed this act, when Mis 3 Crisp bowed her compliments to the Governor and the audience. Hiß Excellency, on behalf of Miss Crisp, returned thanks for the manner in which those present had received her, after which the company dispersed. On Tuesday, April 1, the residents oE Northcote met at the district church, to take leave of their minister, the Rev. F. G. Evans, who is leaving for the Thames. The Rev. J. Bates, of Devonport, presided, urging the congregation to show] their appreciation of Mr. Evans's work by keeping together. Mr. Glenny, as people's warden, presented Mr. Evans, on behalf of tho various congregations comprised within the mission of ■Northcote, the Lake and Wainui, and Lucas Creek, with'a gift of books. These consisted of some 16 volumes, which were placed on the communion table, and more are to be added out of funds which came to band at a late -hour. The subscriptions have been general from all classes, and were limited to 2s 6d each person. Mr. Evans, in accepting the present, responded to the sentimentß of Mr". Glenny, which had stimulated them as fellow-workers for the past two years, and referred to the progress which had crowned their efforts. Appropriate mußic interspersed the speeches, and. the assembly, after viewing the collection of books, bid a final adieu to Mr. and Mrs. Evans. On the Ist April a most successful social meeting was held in the Devonport Wesleyan Church. ' After tea the Rev. G. Spence took the cbair, and opened the meeting with devotional exercises. The Chairman then, in the name of the trustees and friends, presented Mr. Edward Bartley with a handsome silver-mounted baton on his retirement from the position of choirmaster, owiDg to his acceptance of a similar position at the Anglican Church, and Mr. Alfred Bartley with a very compact and useful escritoire, on his resignation as organist for a aimilar reason. A very chaste silver salver and tea service was presented to Miss Potter, who for many years has been co-organist at the church, and who still retains her post. Mr. Bartley (on behalf of Miss Potter and himself, and Mr. Alfred Bartley) thanked the friends for the kindness always manifested towards them, and for the valuable presentations just made. Mr. Cox, on behalf of the teachers of the Sabbath-school, presented two valuable theological works, and spoke of the interest taken in the school and Band of Hope by their minister. Rev. G. Spence thanked the donors of the presents, which were quite unexpected.

On the departure of the Rev. A. S. Fox from Hokianga for England on Wednesday, April 2, the parishioners presented that gentleman with a handsomely executed illuminated address, together with a purse of sovereigns, as an evidence of their high appreciation of his services. A presentation of a purse of sovereigns to purchase some souvenir of hi* connection with Cambridge, has been made to Mr. A. J. Denniston, of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, on the occasion of his leaving this place. Bandmaster R. Little, of the Salvation Army Band, has been presented by the band with a handsome bandmaster's baton, as a token of esteem. Mr. Henry J. Smith, P.P.G.M. of the Auckland district, and corresponding Secretary, having after fourteen years Bervice come to the conclusion to resign the position, finding himself unable to attend to th% duties, tbe brethren of the Good Intent Lodge determined that the valuable services of such an efficient Secretary should not go unrecognised. He was entertained at a banquet on April IS at the Cook.street Hall. The chair was occupied by Mr. T. Cole, P.P.G.M., supported on his right by the guest of the evening, and on his left by His Worship the the Mayor. Amongst those - present were the following dignitaries of the order : — Mr. A. Fleming, P.P.G.M.'; Mr! Simms, P.P.G.M. ; Mr. G. Leahy, P.P.G.M.; ' Mr. G. Guird, P.P.G.M. ; Mr. J. J. Holland, P.P.G.M. ; Dr. Walker; Mr. C. Wright, P.P.D.G.M. ; Mr. Mills, P.P.D.G.M., and Warden; Mr. Mackay, N.G., Good Intent Lodge ; and a number of other lodge officers, Fifty all told sat down to a well-served spread, provided by Mr. T. McEwin. Tbe usual loyal and patriotic toasts were drunk, after which a presentation was made to Brother Smith. The presentation was a handsome gold lever watch and masßive albert chain, purchased from Mr. A. Aley. On the inner ca3e the following inscription was neatly engraved "Presented to P.P.G.M. H. J. Smith, by the members of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge, No. 4369, 1.0.0. F., M.U., A.D., in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him as Secretary of the above Lodge dnring the past 14 years, Auckland, New Ze\land, 18th April, 1854." The celebration appropriately closed with a ball, to enable the lady friends of the members to take pari; in the celebration. There was a good dancing programme. Mr. Reed's b»nd provided the music, and Mr. T. Cole, position of master of ceremonies, kept the fun and enjoyment going through the night.