PRESENTATION TO MRR R. H. SCOTT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5669, 16 January 1890, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MRR R. H. SCOTT

The members of the Gisborne Literary Society and elders of the Presbyterian Church met in the vestry last night for the purpose of bidding adieu to Mr Scott, and presenting him with an illuminated address and handsome butter dish and a silver tea set. About 30 ladies and gentlemen were present. Tho Rev. Mr McAra, as proaident of the Society, said he felt they could not allow Mr Scott to leave the district without showing the esteem in which he was held by them. As most present knew, when he arrived amongst them some three years ago, the Society did not oxist. He was instrumental in forming it, and a« editor had been its mainstay. He would ask him in the name of the members to accept the address and butter cooler, and as often as he looked upon them it would help him to remember the happy hours they had spent together. He wished him, Mrs Scott, and family long life and prosperity, wherever they mightgo, and they could rest assured that they would not bo forgotten by their Gisborne friends. Mr Scott, in replying, said there were times when one felt he should say a lot, but could only t=ay a little. He was indeed pleased if anything he had done had given satisfaction. What he had learned in the I way of speaking he certainly owed to literary societies, as when ho first joined one in 1875 he had to write all his speeches. Ho hoped they would all stick to it. Such societies could not be too highly recommended. On behalf of himself and his family he thanked them for their presents and good wishes. Messrs J. T. Evans, Smaill, Ambridge, Johnston, and other gentlemen testified to the rogret they felt in parting with Mr Scott. The Rev. Mr McAra again rose and said he could assure Mr Scott that the Presbyterians of Poverty Bay extremely ! regretted his early departure from [ amongst them, his services had been [ greatly appreciated both in the town and country, not alone by Presbyterians, but by many outside their own borders. He trusted ho would be long spared to carry on tho work of the great Master, and he would have their prayers for his future welfare and happiness. He had much pleasure in handing him the tea set, and trusted lie would be long spared to use it. Mr Scott said he was pleased if his sei'vices had been appreciated. What he had done he did because he loved it ; if he had been the means of saving one soul he felt he had received his reward. He thanked them for their handsome gift. Tho tea set is to have the following inscription engraved upon it :—" Presented to Mr "it. H. Scott by his many friends in the Presbyterian Church as ;i token of affection and esteem, Gisborne, Jan., 1890." The meeting was closed with prayer.