VALEDICTORY SOCIAL AT MILTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15986, 31 January 1914, Page 15

VALEDICTORY SOCIAL AT MILTON

On Wednesday evening tho congregation of tho Tokomairiro Presbyterian Church tendered a farewell social to the Kcv. Air and Mrs George Miller, xinor to their departure for Ashburton. from which church Mr Miller recently accepted a hearty call. The induction ceremony takes place on Thursday next There was a largo and enthusiastic gathering of members of the concremation ami fncnds at tho valedictory social, amply demonstrating tho regard and esteem of the residents for a minister who has laboured loyally, zealously, und faithfully in Milton during the past 14 years. Mr A. E. Stewart, superintendent of tho Sunday School, presided, and amongst those present on the platform were several members of tho Clutha Presbytery, local and visiting clergymen, and leaders of the various branches of tho Tokomairiro Church's activities. Owing to tho number of speakers, the speeches were limited to five minutes' duration. The keynote of the addresses was a eulogy of tho Rev. Mr Millar's work as a minister, his brotherly friendship, and kindly, genial, disposition, which had earned him the respect, love, and esteem of his congregation and the residents of Milton district generally. During the evening numerous presentations wore made, aa follows:—From tho Clutha Presbytery Mr and Mrs Miller were each presented with an envelope, containing sovereigns; from the ladies of the congregation, a gold watch and chain muff to Mrs Miller; from tho congregation, a well-filled purse of sovereigns to tho Rev. Mr Miller; from tho Christian Endeavour Sooiety, an ink well to Mr Miller, and a silver-backed hand mirror and set of Longfellow's poems to Miss Winnie Miller; from tho morning Bible class, an umbrella to Mrs Miller, cake dish to Mrs Miller, and serviette ring to Miss Miller; and from tho Waihola congregation. a travelling rug to Mr Miller, in recognition of his services as moderator during tho vacancy in tho Waihola charge. The rev. gentleman spoke at length in acknowledgement of the gifts and the kindly references accompanying them. Tho parting from the Milton congregation _ was a severe wrench, but many friendships had been formed which would Inst through life. He paid a high tribute to tfie loyal support nocorded him during tho past 14 years_ by the members of the various organisations of the church. Tho loyalty of the congregation had been an inspiration, and an encouragement and help to him in his ministrations. An enjovable programme of musical items was contributed at) intervals, and refreshments were disnensed bv the ladies. The social closed with the doxologv and the pronouncing of the benediction.