POMAHAKA DOWNS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2241, 11 February 1897, Page 25

POMAHAKA DOWNS.

I February 8 —On the evening of Friday last n | serial was held in the Wairuna Church to afford ; , th« many friends of Mr James Roy ru opportunity , ; of presenting him with ;i token of their esteem. ; The eatables, which were provided by the fmuihes 1 of the Wniruua district, being satisfactorily dis- , posed of, the Rev. MrSaence to»k the chair before a large audience, which would have been con- , Fidembly larger had the ev^ninc not been very ; rough. Tbore were friends from Waiwora, A«hley D)wn«, Waiiuna, and Pomahaka. After a few 'emarks from the chairman he called upon Mr Joan Clark to make the presentation, which Mr Clark did in a few well-chosm words, handing Mr Itoy a cheque for j640, which amount had b--en subscribed from settlers all over this large district. Mr Roy rose, and with de p feeling acoepted the gift, B«yißg at the same time th»t he took it gratefully as a token of re<psct from those who gave it, yet he coveted no man's money, and did he think j that the money to raised in any other way than j by free-wili oftmug-; of friends he would net take , it. Many speakers followed, all testifying to their deep reject for Mr Roy, whilst the speechee were intengierflpd with solos and pirt eongs from Clin- } ton, W»iw<-ia, and Wairuna friends, the accompaniments being played on the harmonium by Mis 3 Jane Gorden Mr Roy came out to the i colony many years ago from Huutly, Aberdeensbire, Scotland. For a short time he laboured as missionary to tho Fir6t Church, Dunedin, but soon came aud took up "land in th> Wairuna district -when it was all a t:iesock plain, and whilst fanning hi* land he alto <ras the first hchoolmaflter in the Wairuna Notwithstanding his many duties he always found time to carry the Go pel of Christ umongst the Mirrouudin^ gettlere , and many a long journey bus he had before the dist.icts became fully settled Especially must I . refer to his kindly services to the Pomahaka dist rict. Mr Spence opened services on the estate ' in the honse of Mr Maxwell, and Mr Roy followed with monthly services in settlers' houses v.ntil a 3cbool was built, when the monthly nsrvices were continued there ; and lately he arranged a fortnightly service. In oases of sickness in th« district he and his good lady are ever ready tti lend their assistance, and I wish them many years of health and strength, and although years of active service here h«ve left their mark I upon tbom, may th«y «till be able to give a helping hand to those who follow them. The^hooi. —Tbe Pomahwlui School is without a mistrebs at present. The children will now have • harvest holidays, after which a*iotbcr toaiher will j be appointed.