TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2080, 4 January 1894, Page 22

TAPANUI.

December 23«— The annual soiree lin connection with the Presbyterian Church was held in that building on Thursday evening, and although the weather was rather boisterous there was a capital attendance. Tea was served out by the younger members of the congregation, and as is invariably the case at affairs of the sort in this district, there was an overflow of good things to choose from, thanks to thoso who so freely contributed. The good things having been disposed of, the Rev. W. Scorgie took the chair, and in his opening address stated that it was nigh eight years since he had come to the district, and in a very short time he would be taking Bis departure for fresh fields. In reviewing tho balance sheet for tho year, he drew particular attention to the Sustentation Fund, stating that during his term it was the first time that the church was unable to pay for its minister— a not very encouraging state of affairs. He did not blame this congregation, as had not unforeseen circumstances prevented the usual subscriptions being received the sustentation contributions would have been larger than hitherto. He thought, however, that the people at Waikoikoi were greatly to blame, as they had a good sum of money in hand and refused to help when help was required. The position which they had taken up was the reason of his making up his mind to leave, as he found he had either to take that course or quarrel with them, and he preferred to accept a fresh field of operation. The other items on the balance sheet reflected great credit upon the church, and their financial Sosition as a whole was a very good one, they aving a credit balance of a little over Ml. During his term of eight years he had made many acquaintances— but ministers were like doctors, many things came under their notice which they could not repeat. In all his dealings with the congregation he had been prompted by the dictates of truth. He had never shown the slightest countenance to evil ; he had never pandered to any man. If he had done wrong it might be that he had been too aggressive. He had never beon flattered by anyone, nor yet had he over been very popular. Yet he thought he had the respect of everyone he had come in personal contact with, and above all, he thought that the great work for which he had been fighting — getting the congregation united — had been achieved. The Bible class had been a great source of pleasure to him, and the young people had stuck nobly to him through all sorts of weather. The office-bearers and himself had been on the most friendly terms. There never had been the slightest friction, excepting on one occasion, and from that causo he might say the thought of leaving Tapanui first occurred to him. He might add that from that day he never could place the same confidence in those around him as he had done previously. Still, he was certain that they would part true Christian friends. His relationship to other churches had been most cordial. In regard to his relationship in the future, it might he that their remembrance of him would not last long, but he could console himself with the knowledge that there were those amonstthem who could never forget the confidence which had existed between him and them. Mr Scorgie closed his remarks by urging upon h>s hearera to stand after he had left firmly united, with brotherly love and forbearance, in the true spirit of Christ. He was extremely grateful for the many kindnesses of which he had been the recipient during his stay there, and he might say that if the time he spent in his new home was as well spent as ithad been there he would be lucky indeed. — MrV. Brown then contributed a solo, and the chnirsangahymn.— The Rev. Mr Comrie, Kelso, said he deeply sympathised with the people at the loss that both he and they were going to sustain in Mr Scorgie's departure, but he did not wish to deepen the gloom already noticeable. Ho- could not help rejoicing at the bucccss attained by Mr Scorgie duringhis term amongst them. Hefeltjthat the best compliment they could pay their minister was to stand firmly together shoulder to shoulder, battling bravely against evil, more especially during the period that they stood without a leader. If they had reason to congratulate themselves upon the success of the past in their contention against evil, the warfare must not cease, but they must go on, constantly maintaining an aggressive attitude, bearing testimony against evil. It was too often found to be the case that the great barrier to church work was the want of unity— the preference in many cases to go sinele-handed. If we had union we should possess a force of character which would make sinners tremble and result in a yictorious work being done— An organ solo by Miss Nimmo and a solo by Mr James Edgar (choir-master) followed. — Mr Featherstone made some acccptablo remarks, after which the choir followed with another hymn ; and the usual vote of thanks havingbeen passed, and the choir having sung " God be with you till we meet again," tho Rev. Comrie closed the proceedings with the benediction.

January 2.— The New Year was ushered in here in a very quiet manner, notwithstanding the efforts of a few of what may be called the larrikin element, who apparently were more bent on making a howling noise, to the annoyance of those who were quietly enjoying their rest than anything else. Op New Year's Day our township presented quite a deserted appearance, the majority of the people being out holiday-making. A very large number went t>y train to Kelso to patronise the Caledonian gathering there, which proved to be a very successful one, the poople being kept in good cheer between the several items by the strains of music from the Tapanui Brass Band. The several events were well competed for, and proved of much interest to the spectators. The committee carried out the programme in a creditable manner, and although things seemed a little dilatory between the events, they have to be complimented on the success which attended their efforts.

Picnic. — The annual Tapanui Flat picnic was held on New Year's Day in one of Mr Murney's paddocks, and was largely attended. The comm-

ittee had things nicely prepared, and the un« failing supply of refreshments on the ground were served out with the utmost liberality, ilie usual games indulged in at picnics were carried on with great spirit throughout the day, and the day s outing proved one of enjoyment for both young and old. . Caledonian Gathering.— The annual gathering of the Tapanui Caledonian Society was held on the racecourse on Boxing Day. The Mosgiel Sand was in attendance and greatly enlivened proceedings, and was the means of drawing a large crowd of spectators. The committee of management carried out their programme in a very creditable manner, and the several events of the day did not want in excitement. The Caledonian Society and their energetic secretary have to be complimented in having been the means of drawing the largest crowd of visitors to the games seen for many year 3 past. In the evening a concert under .the auspices of the society was held in the Athenaeum, but was scarcely so well patronised as was anticipated. However, considering that no provision had been made previously for this entertainment, the patronage bestowed could not be otherwise than gratifying. Expianation. — \ 8 some are somewhat surprised at the account of the Presbyterian soiree not appearing in your last issue I may state that the report of it was duly forwarded by me. [The Witness was printed slightly earlier than usual last week ; hence the delay. — Ed ] Departure —On Sunday next the Rev. W. Scorgie will bid farewell to his congregation here, he having received an unanimous call to St. Peters Church, Christchurch. I understand it is the intention of the members of the Bible class, in which Mr Scorgie took much interest, to pre€nt him with an illuminated address previous to s departure. At a congregational meeting of the Presbyterian Church on Monday night, Mr John Edgar was appointed commissioner to appear at the Presbyterian meeting at Gore on Tuesday.