GERALDINE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4211, 12 October 1886, Page 2

GERALDINE.

(Fbom oub own Coebespondent.)

An open lodge in connection with the Welcome Retreat Lodge, No. 44, 1.0.G.T. was held in the Good Templar Hall last evening. There was a good attendance. Bro. T. Sberratt, LD., presided during the first part of the programme and Bro. K. McKenzie, W.C.T., during the latter part. Songs, reading and recitations were ably rendered by the sisters and brethren. Buns and tea were distributed round during the evening and an enjoyable time was spent. The singing of the National Anthem brought the proceed* ings to a successful termination.

The Rev. J. Preston, who left hero yesterday (Monday) afternoon for the benefit of his health, has requested mo to forward the following correspondence for publication “ Rev. and Dear Sir,—

“ Having seen, with great regret, the state o£ your health, we earnestly entreat that yon will take at least a two months’ holiday, in order that yon may enjoy a thorough rest and change of air. We beg of yon to accept the enclosed cheque, and pray that yon may be restored to ns with renewed health and strength.

“ We beg respectfully to subscribe ourselves, your parishioners in Geraldine, Woodbury, Peel Forest, Burke’s Pass, Fairlio Creek, Opuhaand Raiooliff, Gapes’ Valley, Kakahu, Pleasant Valley and Orari,” To the above the Rev. J. Preston baa replied as follows; “ To my parishioners and friends in the parish of Geraldine, and parochial district of Burke’s Pass. “ I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the above letter; also, the enclosed, viz., a cheque for the sum of 100 guineas. I thank you for your expressions of sympathy, in reference to my present state of health. lam at a loss to find appropriate words to express my feelings as I wish regarding yonr great kindness. I am highly honored and greatly encouraged by so handsome a mark of year esteem and regard. To receive such a testimonial is doubly gratifying to me when I am informed that it speaks the sentiments of so many sympathisers and well-wishers. The doctor recommends the Hot Springe to bring about for me a permanent cure of my painful complaint. I shall therefore avail myself of your kindness and leave my pariah for a few weeks. After two months’ change of scene, &c., I shall, with God’s blessing, be a new man again and able, in every way, to perform my clerical duties and I trust with greater earnestness and diligence than I have ever yet done. Hoping to meet you all again in due time and wishing from yon every blessing from God, I have the honor to remain ever your affectionate servant in Christ. J AMES PBEBION, “ Incumbent of Geraldine and Curate of Burkes’ Pass. “St. Mary’s Parsonage, Oct. 9tb, 1886.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, there was only one ease brought before (he lootl j astices, vi?., that of Anthony Metcalf, who was charged by Henry Collins with baying assaulted him on fith October last at Orari Flat. The accused was remanded for eight days. The Eev. G. Barclay* H. W. Moore end A. H. Briscoe, Esqs.j J.P.'s presided.