THE REV.J. GIBSONSMITH'S. TALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2578, 12 August 1903, Page 28

THE REV.J. GIBSONSMITH'S. TALL.

(From Our Own Correspondent )

IXYERCARGILL, August 5. A farewell f-ocial was tendered this c-ven-

ing to tho Rev. J. Gibson-Smith and Mrs Smith by the congregation of First Church. The tiiuich was crowded, many people coming long distances to be present, and nearly every congregation in Southland being represented. Warm tnbutes were paid by brother mm i-tcrs and representative's of the c()'igrega r on to Mr Smith's outstanding phility a-, a ii'ini-ter and public man, and his hii>h character and lovable personality. Tho info' in:* wns inarLod by the utmost cordiality, but a, note d saduc-j, ptriaded all the >-j>c o o!k'^ durii'g th" e\ oiling. Mi T. M. MacUoiinld, on behalf cf the 'congregation, presented Mr Smith v.\t\i pn illuminated address, a handsome gold watch, and a purse of povere-igiw. Mr Robert Karskine, oil behalf of the f-^ssiou, presented a largo framed group of tlif inenib<-r» of the <>e«=.ion, and Mr William Smith, on behalf of tho choir, presented a handsome- photo of th© choir. Mr ./ E. Watson, representing the Christian Endeavour Society, the Bible cl?ss. and the Li'orary S<-c<c-ty, presented a purto of eovere-igns and in a magnifioent speech exprc- c '"cl the young people's appreciation of Mr Smith's helpfulness in these matters, end well expressed the general appreciation of the high cjuality of Mr Smith's gifts as a minister. Mr Smith, who was greatly affected, while expressing his appreciation of the affectionate- regard which prompted the speeches and presentations, took advantage of the opportunity to prc=s on. his hearers the claims of Chuttuiniti', and express the conviction that

people were eager to hear the Gospel — 'the one fling, in I'js opinion, that ma do life amid the sin of the world and the mysteries whieli surround us, possible.