UPPER OWAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2209, 2 July 1896, Page 25

UPPER OWAKA.

June 29 —Social gatherings have been held m thiß district to bid farewell to the pastor of the church, the Rev. W. G. M'Laren, who is leaving for the Bluff. , „ Tahatika.-Ou Thursday, 25th inst., the people of Tahatika met in the schoolhouse. and after ft service of tea and good things Mr T. A. Finlay took the chair. He referred to the hearty and unanimous call iust placed in Mr MLarens hands, to the good work done by him at Owato», and the general regret felt^at his departure. In the name of the congregation he was pleated represent him with a cheque In token of. their esteem and goodwill. Mr M'Laren returned thanks, and expressed his gratitude to them for their kindness. Addresses were delivered by Messrs F. Bradfield and Finlay. . A good programme of music was gone through by a choir nnder the leadership of Mis 3 Flamank, who also presided at the organ. A pretty trio, Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling," was sung by the Meiers M'Latchie and M. Wilson. The MfattS Friend and Bradfield contributed the duet "Must I go, and empty-handed T " which was followed by solo by Mr R. M'Latchie, "Calvary." A duet "This IB the golden seedtime," sung by fiUsa Flamank and Mr M. Wilson, was appreciated, as was also the solo "In the land of stranger*, tung I>y Mr M. Wilson. Miss Thomson played very sweetly "Angels ever bright and fair/ and Sim E. Flamank recited "No Sects in Heaven. A quintette. "Open the beautiful gates," by Misses Friend, Bradfield, and Flamank, and Messrs M'Latchie and Wilson, was nicely rendered. vote of thanks to all who had helped to maka tm

gathering enjoyable brought a happy meeting to a close. Purekirhki.— At Purekirqki the following evening another social gathering was held. Tea was again dispensed, and Mr E. Tapp tiok the chair. He was happy to voice the district and express the good feeling that existed towards Mr M'Laren. In the name of the congregation he had pleasure in presenting their pastor with a nurse of sovereigns. Mr M'Laren suitably acknowledged the gift. Addresses wero then delivered by Messrs Young, F. Oumine, and Finlay A good musical programme was presented, and the choir, under the leadership of Mr Finlay, .rendered several selections very creditably. The Misses Walker and J. Douald sang aweetly as a duet, " Ono day nearer home " ; Miss A. Donald -sang nicely "Only to know"; while Mi-s Walker and Mr J. Brugh sang " The Christian martyr" with good taste. The usual votes of thanks closed a very enthusiastic meetIng. .