FAREWELL MEETING AT MIDDLEMARCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3333, 30 January 1918, Page 19

FAREWELL MEETING AT MIDDLEMARCH.

REV. MR STANDRING ENTERTAINED. Several functions have been held in different parts of the Strath-Taieri parish to mark the departure to Alexandra of the Rev. James Standring and family. Tho first of these was given by the members of the local Bible classes, and took the form of a,"surprise" party at the manse. Mr G. Woodhead, in presenting Mr and Mrs Standring with an oak and Doulton cake stand, and Miss Standring with an antique silver flower vase, referred to the loss the Bible classes would sustain in their removal. Expressions of goodwill were reciprocated, and a programme of music and parlour games was enjoyed by all. On the 18th inst. the members of the Hyda portion of the Strath-Taieri parish entertained their minister at a social. Mr T. Ramsay presided over a gathering which was marked by it's warmth of feeling, and presented the guests of the evening with a valuable travelling rug, to mark the esteem of their Hyde friends. One of the most enthusiastic meetings that Middlemarch has ever known was held on Wednesday evening, when the A. and P. Society's Hall was filled by an audience representative of all the religious denominations and of the various bodies in the activities of which Mr Standring had always taken a kindly interest. At the request of members of these societies, the Presbyterian Church Committee had agreed to make the gathering a public one, and the attendance more than justified their decision. Mr T. W. Wise, session clerk and ruling older, presided over the gathering in a capable manner. In the course of his remarks, he referred to the fact that Mr Standring's Bta» in Middlemarch had been a record one for the charge of Strath-Taieri. He. mentioned various matters which had been carried to a successful issue during Mr StandLing's regime. The chairman presented tho departing minister with a pair of ebonybacked hairbrushes and a chequo for a very substantial sum; Mrs Standring with a handbag and a silver-mounted umbrella; and Miss Standring with a silver wristlet watch, with flexible bracelet. He wished the guests.of the evening all possible good in their new home. Mr J. W. Graham, in a very neat speech, spoke of the regard in which Mr Standring was held by the residents of Ngapuna. If their wishes would materialise, ho would want for no good thing in Alexandra. Mr W. Robertson, speaking as a church member, mentioned many of the difficulties with which Mr Standring had had to contend during his four years' ministry. He expressed the feelings of many a sorrowful heart when he thanked Mr Standring for his words of comfort and sympathy during the dark days which had been the lot of so many of late. Mr W. D. Mason spoke on behalf of the Soldiers' Farewell and Reception Committee, in whose doings Mr Standring had always taken an active part. Mr Standring's moral courage was such that he would always give a definite opinion on matters of public interest, when policy might make reticence seem the wiser course. Ho had seen him actually threatened with personal violence because of his repudiation of an insult to their "boys" on active servioe. He wished him and his family peace and prosperity in -his new home. Mr Standring, in his reply, touched on the various matters which had been mentioned. His residence in Strath-Taieri had been marked by varied experiences. Ho had known the deepest happiness; ho had tasted the bitterest sorrow. He knew he was outspoken, and was glad of it. _ Perhaps it had caused differences of opinion, but all tho trouble ho had experienced was due to ono man, and to one man only. Many had the erroneous idea that a minister bf Jesus Christ should bo like indiarubber yielding to every show of pomp and authority. Finally he thanked all his friends for the expression of their goodwill towards Mrs and Miss Standring and himself. He was glad so many of his friends from other denominations were present, oe he. always respected the religious convictions

of other people. He thanked them all most heartily. A fine programmo was rendered by Misses Remvick and Robertson, Mrs A. Carruthers, Messrs M'Clintock, West, and W. Robcrtson, and by the Middlemarch Presbyterian Ohurch Choir (under Mrs Tyndall): A bountjful supper was provided by the ladies, and a happy and most memorable meeting ended with 'the singing of the National Anthem.