OWAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2209, 2 July 1896, Page 26

OWAKA.

June 29.— A social gathering was held in the church here on Monday, 24th inst.. to bid farewell to tbo Eev. W. G. M'Laren. who is leaving for the Bluff. After tea had been served Mr Moncur took the ch«ir, and stated thu object of the meeting. .He expvessed the general regret that was felt on every hand at tho depaiture of their minister,, who had rendered valuable service in tbe church on behalf of the cause of tJhriat. He had much pleasure in handing to Mr M'Laren a purse of sovereiens as a tokeh of goodwill from the Ahuriri and Owaka congregations. Mr M'Laren suitably acknowledged the gift, and expressed himself as deeply moved at -the good wishes and kindly references tendered to him. Addresses were delivered by Messrs Wingfield, Parlane, Finlay, M'Lelland, Blair, M'Arthur, and Young, who all testified to the benefit conferred on- tho district through the ministrations of ~blr M'Laren. During tte evening a number of hymns were sung by 'he congregation. The choir, with Miss Button at the organ, rendered some selections very sweetly. Mrs Latta sang " O tender and sweet was the Master's, voice," for which thanks were tendered by asking for an encore. In response "Tho beautiful city" was given. Mrs M Lean sang very sweetly ".Jesus, take my hand and lead me/ and Mr Jackman sang with taate " Jerusalem " The usual vote of Ithankß brought an enjoyable evening to a close.