LONG BUSH.

Southland Times, Issue 1741, 16 May 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

LONG BUSH.

(from our own correspondent.) On Sabbath, 27th, the>ew church here was opened by the Rev. Mr Stobo, who delivered a very able and appropriate discourse to a large and appreciative congregation. The rev. gentleman also officiated in the evening. The collection at both diets was something over £14. The church, which occupies a pleasant site in the immediate neighborhood of the manse, is a very neat and commodious structure. Indeed its situation is rather picturesque, and to the passing tourist it must appear a thing of quiet beautj, reminding one very much of some of the ' rural scenes in the " old countrie." It I would be unpardonable were I to omit the fact that the admirable style in which the contractors — Messrs Strang and Co. — have done their work is deserving of the very highest praise. The building committee and all parties concerned have good reason to be satisfied with the successful result of their labors. On the evening of Wednesday, 30th, Mr Alexander Boss, who is about to remove to another and a wider sphere of labor, was entertained at supper in the Waibopai Hotel here by a number of the settlers and others in the neighborhood. The duties of the chair were ably discharged by Eobert Hamilton, Esq , of Rozelle. After doing ample justice to a repast which was of the most sumptuous and recherclw description, and which reflected great credit on Mr and Mrs Mitchell, the usual toasts of The Queen, The Prince of Wales, &?., were given and responded to right loyally. The chairman in a few happy and laudatory remarks proposed the toast of the evening — the health of Mr Ross, and cordial wishes for his welfare, and success to bis new undertaking — which was most enthusiastically received by the company, and suitably acknowledged by that gentleman. Toasta both local and general followed, and several songs at intervals varied and enhanced the evening's entertainment. It is pleasant to state that Mr Ross carries with him the respect of all in the district, and it will not be easy to find one to supply bis place in the interest which he manifested in all public matters, and in the faithful discharge of his duties as Secretary to the Ploughing Association, as well as to the School Committee, and as an earnest and efficient teacher in our Sabbath School. It is a grateful task to rerord meetings such as this, reflecting as they do credit not only on the recipients of the compliment, but on those who appreciate his worth and confer the honor