SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8398, 23 January 1889, Page 5 (Supplement)

SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

PERSONAL. A service of thanksgiving upon the safe return of Bishop Cowie and family was held in Auckland on the 17th inst. Iv the evening a conversazione took place, when three addresses of welcome were presented—one from the Anglican clergy and laity, another from the V.M.C.A., and a third from the Wesleyan Methodist body, signed by a considerable number of the Wesleyan clergy. Bishop Cowie delivered an interesting speech in reply.

There died at Penrose, a suburb of Auckland, on Christmas night, Mr Philip Lloyd Francis, a gentleman who will bo remembered by most of the early pastoral residents iv this district. The New Zealand Herald reports that Mr Francis came from an old Norfolk family, being born at Foulsham vicarage. When 21 years of age he emigrated to New Zealand to begin sheep farming in the South Island, where at different times he owned large runs in Otago and Canterbury. The Government atone time appointed him sheep inspector. His health failing, he removed iv 1876 with his family to the more genial climate of Auckland, settled on the Waiheke Island, where he again engaged in sheep farming. He was also appointed J.P. The symptoms of the malady (heart disease) to which he succumbed, becoming threatening, he had to renounce active life in 1883, when he retired to Auckland. His genial, open-hearted disposition mado him a favourite wherever he went, and a wide circle of friends, especially amongst the pioneers of New Zealand settlement, will be sorry to hear of his death at the age of 62. Mr Francis was married since 1868, and leaves n widow and three children.

Probate of the will of the late Professor John Mainwaring Brown was, on the motion of Mr Stanford, granted on the 11th inst. by his Honor Mr Justice Williams. The testator bequeathed the sum of 6100 and all his books, here and in Englaud.to the University of Otago. A specific legacy of £100 was mado in favour of the testator's sister Mrs Nussuy, and the residue of his real and personal estate wiis directed to be sold and tun proceeds to bu divided equally bstwe^n thu testators two sisters Mrs Taylor and Mrs Humble

Mr Lewis Morton, ono of the very oldest identities of the Oamnni district, died ou Uio 6th inst. Tlio North Otago Times says tbal.

ho camo to the district between Sound 30years ago. For many years he was settled in O.wiaru, where he carried on various businesses. lie. was for ninny years a member of the Borough Council,and was tho first captain of the Oamaru Artillery. He was also ono of tbe oldest members of tho Kilwiuuing lj<j:!ge of Freemasons. While enjoying robust, health Ik; took an active and keen intirest in all local mutter.--, but for many years past he has beeu in feeble health, and in consequence has had to relinquish nil active participation in public affairs. Lately hn took a trip to the North Island for the benefit of his health, but experienced no change for tho better. Mr Joseph Burue, who died on the 15th inst., linn left .some v.-ry munificent legaoits forchaiilable objects in Wellington. lie bas bequeathed £2000 to the Heucvoknt Institution, aud £1000 to the Ladies' Christian Association, to be applied hy that institution lor the support and maintenance of tlie Alexandra Home for friendless womt'ri.

An old resident of VVailnm.iiii, and one closely connector! with its risi; ami progress —Mr Trios. Melmoth Smith — died on the 9th inst. The iaiineiliuto cause of death was inflammation of tho brain, caused by the pressure of a fractured bone, duo to tho head of a horse, coming into contact with his face. Mr Smith at lir.it carried on business us a carrier, and nftenvarrh went into the poaching business. Vie then took to storrkcepirif,', mid a few years n;,'O paid .1 visit to the Home country. Ho vvjw .1 nwmb.:r of the horou^h council, and took a keen interest in nil local affairs. He haves v wife and threa children. The Rev. Dr Maclaren, of Mandie.,ter. who is at present on a tour of the colonies, received a hearty welcome on his first nppunranus,- in Dun<;din, at the Baptist Ohnrch on tho 4th inst. Mr MacViren f'(*!i«crr:''l "n exo^vdinfily p.l)!" n<lrl>-'s-<, at i-U" (iiiish of which hu renihrxi'd :—" I knuvv cf no bitter opporfcuiiil y, i:o noblir Insk for ;i Ciiristi.iii mil.i-.t.fcr, than to bu presuiit at the founding id' such a nation as ih'it by whu-c cradle you stand ; and here; in Dunedii), which bears in its very streets, and in their_s[eepurjhs,

the traces of the old home, it is appropriate to remember that all Scotland to-day bears written right across it, "JohnKuox, his mark." And no, though we cannot all be John Knoxes —and it would be an extremely uncomfortable world if we could be—still we can all iv our own place, and in our own degree, merit the praise that the rigid Murray spake, as he stood by his grave, " There lies one who never feared the face of man," and merit, too, let us hope, the yet higher praise which shall be spoken to those who, amid many adversaries, were faithful soldiers of tho Master aud ambassadors of the cross." On tho following Sunday Dr Macliiren preached (o a very large congregation iv the Garrison Hall.