MIDDLEMARCH NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 23

MIDDLEMARCH NOTES.

The Dunstan Presbytery, at its recent meeting sustained a call from the Alexan-dra-Clyde parish to the Rev. J. Standring, of Middlemarch. The interim-Moderator of the Alexandra charge (the Rev. Mr Chandler) reported that every available member on the Communion roll had signed the call, and a considerable number of adherents had concurred. There were no dissentients. Mr Standring stated that, in view of the fact that the call had come to him tinsought, and because of its unanimity, he had, after much consideration, decided to accept the same. The Presbytery thereupon, after prayer, placed the call in Mr Standing's hands, and appointed his induction *o take place in St. Enoch's Church, Alexandra, on Friday, January 25, at 3 p.m. The Rev. G. D. Falconer, of Naseby, was appointed interim-moderator of the Strath-Taieri charge, and authorised to declare it vacant after Mr Standing's induction at Alexandra.

There was a very successful social held in the A. and P. Hall on New Year's Night as a send-off to Privates Ewen Cameron and John Elliot (Garthmyl). The attendance was large, the young 'people of the district being present in full force. Mr T. Wise presided, and addresses of congratulation and God-speed were given by Mr W. D. Mason, on behalf of the local Soldiers' Farewell and Reception Committee, and the Rev. J. Stanching. Tho latter stated that tho denarting soldiers were born and bred in Middlemarch ; were worthy sons of worthy sires; and would, ho was sure, ably support their gallant mates who had gone before them frpm this district. The presentation of a wristlet watch was made to each soldier by Mrs TyndalT. on behalf of the committee. Private Elliot, in fitting terms, responded for his mate and himself. Musical selections were given on the piano by Miss Marjorie iStoneha'm, of Dunedin, and on tho concertina bv Mr Johnson, in firstclass style. The proceedings ended with " Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.

There was a largo congregation at the Presbyterian Church on the last Sunday evening of 1917, and again on Sunday evenins last, when the building was again full. Mr Standring read the Kind's proclamation, tho congregation standing during the reading and,joining in the National Anthem at tho close. Intercessory prayers were offered during the day, and appropriate sermons preached. The local Anglican Church was reopened on Sunday, after being closed during 1917. The Rev. C H. Statharn, _ of Dunedin, nreached to good congregations. It is hoped the Anglicans will put away the reproach of a closed church onco for all. and rally to the support of their own church

ordinances. Though not. over strong numerically, they are yet able enough to keep the services going, if they will only put their shoulders to the wheel and keep at it.