SOCIAL TO MR JAMES BARTON.

Colonist, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8222, 15 April 1895, Page 1 (Supplement)

SOCIAL TO MR JAMES BARTON.

PRESENTATION.

Thebe was a good attendanoe on Maroh 24, the Christians' Meeting-houße in Waimea street, at the sooial given in honor of Mr and Mrs Jameß Barton, wbo sre about to take up their residence in Bpring Grove. Mr Edward Lewis presided over the gathering, which was a thoroughly representative one. The Cbaitman in his opening remarks said tbat tbere was no need for sadness at their gathering that evening, for their aged and honored friends were only exchanging their plaoe of residenoe. He had known uix and Mrs Barton ove< thirty-nine years, and Mr Barton, wbo had been oonneoted with their Churoh fifty-two years, held the peshion of beiDg in that respeot the senior brother in the Australasian Colonie*?. He bad never Een the man or woman thit oonld point the finger of soorn at Mr and Mrs Barton.

Mr lhomas Brough sketched the history of their IhurohinNtlsm forthe lat fourteen years, and pointed to the great help Mr Barton bad given to the Church.

Mr Telenius, of Spring Grove, spoke of the kindness he reoeivod at the bands of Mr Barton when he arrived from Sydney sixteen 3 ears ago, also of the quiet and uncbirutive manner in whioh Mr Barton bad done much good.

Hiß Worship the Mayor, Mr W. T. Bond, Mr John Griffith, Mr Jesse Piper, Mr Willimn Lcok, Mr Page, and Mr Milligan also spoke of Mr Barton as being a geod citizen cf over forty years Btanding— a faithfal and valaable publio servant — a oonslstant Christian— and a true friend to the poor and distressed. AU the speakers wished Mr and Mrs Barton many yeara of happiness whi!e taking their well-earned rest.

Mr F. V. Knapp, in a few well expressed remarks, presented Mr Barton with a nicelyilluminated address, whioh bore tbe signatures of tbe members of the Chatch, and a photograph of the building. Mr Thomas Brough asked Mr Barton to accept of a large and well-npholateired easy ohair, bb a small token of tbe esteem cf their Ohuroh members.

Mr Barton briefly retarned thenke, and Baid he felt too many kind things bad been said respecting himself, and tbat be might have done more. He narrated how he oame to join Ihat branoh of the Christian Onurch, and oono'.uded by wishing them individually, sb well as a Oburch, happiness and prosperity. Between the speeches, Mrs F. V. Knapp, Mr T. Brough, the Spring Grove .Choir, and tbe looal Choir sang a namber of pieoes wel' Refreshments were also liberally provided. Vo;ea of thanks to the Chairman atd the Spring G.ove Oboir bronght the pleasant gathering to a olose.