PRESENTATION TO THE KEY. W. WILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 35

PRESENTATION TO THE KEY. W. WILL.

A very pleasant meeting was held on Tuesday in the hall of First Church, when the Rev. iW. Will was the recipient of a handsome combined bookcase and writing desk from the members of "the,-Dunedin Presbytery. The hall, which was tastefully decorated and furnished in drawing room fashion, was well filled by the ministerial members of the presbytery and their wives, and a fair representation of the elders and their wives was also present. The gathering was of an informal kind, save in the matter of the presentation, which was made by the Rev. Dr Watt, who gave touching expression to the esteem and affection in which Mr Will is held by the _ presbytery, and. wished him a long and happy _ evening of his days. Mr Will briefly responded, and Baid how greatly, he appreciated all the kindness showered on him during the , laßt few weeks. The letters he had received , from far- aud near spoke strongly to him of tho goodness at people's ... hearts. He could not feel that he was deserving of one-half the generous -things that had been said about him. From his heart he thanked the brethren for . their kindpess. He had asked Mr Gibb to say • for him what failing health made it difficult for »him to say for himself. The Rev. J. Gibb, in a short speech, alluded to Mr' Will's j ■ intense appreciation of any kindness shown ■ him — even little things of that sort touching him deeply. He expressed the feeling of strangeness they experienced in having Mr , Will now . only an associated member of the tpresbytery. Why, Mr Will had more right, , so they felt, to membership in the presbytery than all of them added together. Long might their revered and beloved friend go out and <in among them. Rev. James A. Will also said a few words on behalf of his father. Refreshments were served during the evening, and -. songs were contributed by several members of the presbytery. Altogether the function was exceedingly pleasant and in every way successful. >