TRIBUTE TO SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 14

TRIBUTE TO SERVICES.

PRESBYTERY DEPUTATION.

PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS

A tribute to .the services rendered by the Governor-General, Sir Charles .Fergusson, and Lady Alice Fergusson was conveyed by a deputation of over 30 ministers and elders, representing the Auckland Presbytery, which waited on Their Excellencies at Government House at mid-day yesterday. The Moderator, the Rev. W. D. Mor-rison-Siitheriand, said that the presbytery, at itfe last meeting, had felt, in'view of the approaching departure of Their Excellencies from the Dominion, that some recognition of their services, of the splendid moral and spiritual influence they had exercised, and of the esteem and affection in which they were held by all sections of the community, should be made. A resolution was" Accordingly moved,- unanimonsly adopted, endorsed in the minutes, and it was agreed that a copy should be presented to Their Excellencies. ■ * ".d'-f

In further remarks, the Moderator referred to his former connection as a minister with the county of Ayr, in which Sir' Charles and Lady Alice .Fergusson had their home. .% - The presbytery resolution was presented in the form, of aii illuminated dress, reading as 'follows* —'\ "That in view of-the early departure from New Zealand .of Their Excellencies, -the Governor-General, Sir • Charles Fergusson, Bait., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.G.8., D.5.0., M.V.0., and Lady Alice Fergusson, the Auckland Presbytery records its high appreciation of the distinguished services they have rendered to whatever was calculated to promote piiblic good. "During the term of office now closing Their Excellencies have not only maintained, but also have greatly enriched, the high traditions associated with the Governor-Generalship of this Dominion. Their ready and generous response made to heavy and continuous demands upon their practical sympathies has endeared them to all sections of the community. The Auckland Presbytery takes the opportunity to express its gratification at the encouragement which Their Excellencies have given to the churches and the various organisations devoted, to ' the spiritual and moral welfare of young and old.. Their example has emphasised tli* vital relationship between citizenship and religion, and will long remain an inspiration to the coming generation. "The Auckland Presbytery joins with the whole country in wishing Their Excellencies a safe and happy return home, and prays that all their days may be attended with happiness and prosperity." In expressing the thanks of Lady Alice and himself, His Excellency said that it had always been a pleasure to them to be of any service, especially in connection with the ; churches and the youcg. He remarked that he -was an elder of a. Presbyterian church in the county of. Ayr, and he rejoiced, like the members of the deputation, in the union of churches which had recently been effected at Home. He looked forward with some hope to a still larger union.