A POPULAR MINISTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20892, 5 December 1929, Page 10

A POPULAR MINISTER.

THE REY. JAMES BURNS. At the conclusion of Knox Church congregational meeting in the Early Settlers' Hall last night the chairman, the Rev George Miller, presented the Rev. James Burns and Mrs Burns with a travelling rug each, and, in doing so, said that Mr Burns had done excellent work in the congregation. The church had been kept tilled, and everything had gone smoothly and well. All this had been largely due to the work of Mr Burns. He had the gift of putting his message in a beautiful form, and anyone who liked beautiful language could enjoy what he said. He had not upset the congregation in anv way, and was possessed of a great fund of common sense. He had the art of delivering exceptionally fine addresses, whichhad been greatly appreciated, by all. He was a very kindly critic. On concluding his remarks, the chairman Utindcd to Mr Burns on envelope con* tabling a cheque. ”For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was sung, and three cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Burns. J- Brown supported what had been saM by the chairman with respect to Mr and Mrs Burns. Mr Burns, in reply, said he was deeply touched by their kindness, and doubted it be deserved it. He had only come here to no his duty, and they had magnified anything he had done out of all proportion. He had found the Dunedin public an extremely generous one. There was not a single society that had not written to him and asked him to give an address. —(Laughter.) He hoped he had fulfilled his promise to do his best. He had given 20 lectures and at least 20 addresses, sometimes on a subject he knew very little about, and he only hoped his audience did not know any more about it than he did —(Laughter,) They certainly did not look as if they did.—(Renewed laughter ) On behalf of his wife and himself he wished to assure them that their stay in Dunedin had been greatly enjoyed, and they left with deep regret. When New Zealand was only a memory they wou'd feel that a big part of their hearts had been left behind them. They appreciated the kindness shown them very greatly, and would carry away with them happy memories of the time spent in Dunedin. Mrs Burns also briefly returned thsoh&