PRESENTATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2318, 4 August 1898, Page 9

PRESENTATION.

The past and present members of Mr R. Chisholm's Bible class in connection with Knox Church mot (under the presidency of the Rev. Mr Hewitson) on Wednesday, 27th ult., in Old Knox Church to hold a social gathering. There was a large number present. During the evening mu&ical items were contributed by Misses Himmel and Swanson, and by Messrs A. Wright, W. Swanson, and D. H. Thomson, while Mr J. Allen gave a recitation.

Mr A. Wright, on behalf of the members, presented Mr Chisholm witli an illuminated address. He referred to the good work done by Mr Chisholm during his long term of over 25 years' service as teacher of the Bible class, and expressed tho hope that he would receive the address as a mark of appreciation of those services. and as a happy reminder of the past. The news of Mr Chisholm's intention to re tiro had been received with general regret. Mr Manley and Mr K. Sutherland followed in complimentary terms of Mr Chisholm s

life and work in church and Sabbath school.

Mr Chisholm, who was greeted with applause on rising to his feet, seemed deeply moved by tho many kind words spoken. There were occasions, he said, when silence best bespoke the gratitude that wells up in the heart, when words could not £>dequately express the deeper feelings of the soul. Yet, while this was so, a confidence born of a long acquaintance and pleasant fellowship with the members bade him thank them from the bottom of his heart for the chaste and beautiful address they had presented to him. He spoke of the supreme happiness he had experienced while engaged in the Master's work, of the many and lasting friendships he had formed, and of the heartfelt sympathy which the class had ever extended towards him. The address, too he said, recalled those absent friends who were labouring in other circles and in foreign missions. The speaker concluded by reminding his hearers of the influence they exert on the lives of others, and expressed the hope that they would use that influence to a noble end.

Tto address itself is foolscap folio size, in book form, and bound in full morocco. On the cover is a satin panel with a hand painting, showing the sower casting forth his seed, while in the left-hand corner the dove carries its emblem of peace. The title page contains three photographic views — Knox Church Old Knox Church, and the old manse. Above the title is a beautiful river scene, while the Vvholo is relieved by a choice cluster of violetfl and forget-me-nots The title reads: "Presented to Mr Robert Chisholm by the past and present members of his Bible class. Knox Church, July 27, 1898." The text of the address is on the following page. Here again the artist has visited the gardens of Nature, and produced a pretty effect by a nicely-arranged display of flowers. The last page contains the signatures of 86 members who subscribed towards the testimonial.

During the past week there wore four bank« ruptcies in the colony — a carpenter, a bookseller, a woolclasser, and & billi*rdmarker.

'At a meeting of the Selwyn County Council on (he 27th it was pointed out thab even under the present irregular system the inspector had condemned 56 large and 24 small cattle in one year. This gave a steady average of six and a fraction per jnonth, and it was probable that more leakage occurred under present methods than would be the case under the abattoir system,

The Hokilika poultry show reported as very successful.

Respecting the comments on the balance sheet oi the Now Zealand farmers' Co-operative Association, the Frees points out that instead of 135 persons dividing £8728 it is really divided among 91 persons enly. A considerable proportion of tbe wages paid does not appear in a balance sheet, being paid on piecework and in the manufacturing department And charged against good*