TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 4 June 1923, Page 12

TEMUKA.

[own COB.KESPONDENT-]

REY. CHAS MACDONALD, M.A. FAREWELLED.

The Rev. C'haa. Macdonald, of the Temuka Presbyterian Giuiren, wlio lias resigued atteir -u years' taxthrul service, was fared ellea by, ana tne recipient of a cneque for from ins congregation, on Friday evening. Tne hail was packed to tne doors, oeing a striking testimony to Air .Macdonald’s great work and popularity’. The social anu presentation took place in the Presbyterian Sunday (school Hail, ancl the Rev. J. D. u. Madid, Geraldine, presided. Seated iun mm on tne stage were the guest of the evening, the ltev. AlcCudy, tne iuavor (Mr T. Gunmon), and tne iuilowing otlice bearers or tne Temuka i'rosovtenan Church, Messrs to. cam, Li, G - . scrimshaw, J. Paterson (Winchester) , and J. T. Smart, clerk of tne iieacon'i* Court. 'Tne proceedings were opened by the singing of a verse of tiie Rational Anthem, after winch the. -dev. iWcCuiiy ottered up a prayer. . Mr Smart read the following apologies which were due partly to the mconvonnyice of the mght of meeting, and parylv to illness: —Revs. Taiconer (Moderator of the Presbytery), Begg (PresbvLery Clerk), Giiarman (iViorven), G/adstone Hughes (Chalmers), Stinson (Trinity), Gssher (St. Andrews), and Hall (Albury), Colonel yfackenße (Geraldiuei), Mr and Mrs T . M. Toung and family (Winchester), Mr H. • McCallum and Miss A. Scott (Timaru i. ’.Telegrams were received from the Nori.fi Xsland and from Christchurch, wishing the Rev. C. Macdonald a speedy return to health. Mr J. 'T. Smart, on behalf of the Beacon's Court and the congregation, thanked Mr Macdonald for his long and faithful work in the Church.- He had always been attentive in spiritual matters, and no one could reproach him in that respect. While Mr Macdonald had given particular attention to spiritual matters he. had not neglected the material side, and many improvements had been made to tlieir property during his term of office, among these being a hue manse, a new Sunday bchooi, and a new vestry. On behalf of the congregation he wished that Mr Macdonald might enjoy many years of happiness, and that lie would be again fully restored to health after a muclineeded rest, and that lie would still be a power lor good in the Dominion. (Applause.) Those present were then treated to a delightful little musical ensemble. Mrs A. S. Mclmiea opened the programme with a well play'ed pianofoite solo, and Miss J. Brown sang in a very effective manner, “Just For You,” and later on in the evening contributed another pretty number which was heartily applauded. Mr W. Hughes, who possesses a pleasant bass voice of good range and quality', was heard to advantage in “Refuge of the Soul,” and “Wedding Morn,” and “Rosebud.” Miss Home (Timaru), delighted all with her singing of “Annie Laurie” and in response to an emcore, sang with great acceptance, “Avalon” and “Love Nest.” Miss McConachy' (Timaru), violinist of the party, quickly showed that she was no ordinary performer. As a humorist and dramatic reciter, Mr R. Malcolm was given a hearty reception, and his opening selection “Rab’s Bairn” evoked roars of laughter. In his subsequent pieces “The Old Soldier” and “Childhood Memories,” lie showed himself to be possessed of no little dramatic, ability', and he. also revealed. his versatility by singing and depicting the “Laird o’ Cockpen.” Mrs A. S. Mclnnes and Miss Rlsie Brown provided most tasteful accompaniments.

An excellent and bountiful supper was then provided by the ladies, and was very much appreciated.

After supper the Chairman said that they had come to the most important part of the evening. There were certain gentlemen who had certain things to say about Mr Macdonald, and he had much pleasure in first calling upon the Mayor.

Mr Gunnion said that he felt greatly honoured to get an invitation for the Mayor and councillors, to be present that evening to do honour to Mr Macdonald. Mr Macdonald’s success was principally based on the fact that he said what he meant and stuck to it. Mr Gunnion referred to Mr Macdonald’s war work, and stated that during that period he had always been willing to assist the Patriotic Committee in any shape or form. He was always ready to assist the sick and needy, and was a man among thousands. The Mayor said that be was very sorry that Mr Macdonald was leaving, and hoped that in the warmer climate in the North Island he would recover his wonted health. The Rev. Mr McCully remarked that he was a little bit sorry and a little bit glad to be there that evening. Ail felt the severance of dear ties very much. He was sorry because when he next came to Temuka he would miss the fine sermons that he usually heard when in the town. There was no place lie liked better to visit and no one he liked better to hear preach than Mr Macdonald. Mr McCully referred to the vigorous stamp of people who formed the congregation thirty years ago, some of whom were in the hall that evening, notably Mr Rlyth. It pleased linn greatlj to look into the faces of those in the hall, who showed by tlieir interest m their church and minister that thej were practical Christians, and he could nnlv sav “Thanks be unto God He imped that Mr Macdonald would have a o-ood rest and then a long pcnod of ' :S Kcv! C Mr ihicu 1L U interi m Moderator of the Temuka charge, speaking on behalf of the Temuka Presbytery, paid a -telling tribute to Mr Macdonaldsa preacher, andsaid Giat Ins that direction.. 11l s i*°' ion ?“.. h 1 ad ,Mck be lie ’was faithful to lus coUßreeain,l his congregation hod l»e» phiuse.) tQ wlloin W as entrusted Mi 1 ’ni-inp* the presentation, lh i, aitlhev had ” “Ti bear tv laughs" during the evening, h'll ill", had not met as a j.ovous assembly, KrSe^asj&^wt*s sneaker) could take them back to sixtj years ago when the Rev. Thomas Barclay used to come from Timaru once everv fortnight to conduct the service. \t that time there were only three houses in Temuka, and the service was held in a small schoolroom m Georgetown. He was only sixteen years of age then, and so far as he knew there was only Mrs Paterson of Winchester and himself left of that congregation of sixty years ago. ’Everybody would acknowledge that Mr Macdonald had been a faithful and successful minister. There had been practically no bitterness and nobody had ever heard him preach a nersonal sermon, and that could not be said about, at least, one of his predecessors, as lie knew from personal experience. (Laughter.) He was sure that it was with aching hearts they had met, and it was like saying farewell to a member of one's family, to say farewell to their beloved minister/ Mr Macdonald had been a close friend of his, highly respected by everyono, and he sincerely hoped that a term of rest would fully restore Mr iAfoodoßftld to. much bettor health *

South Canterburv would feel his departure very much because he was u Mod citizen of the whole district, Mi Macdonald was not big m stature, but lie \vas head and shoulders above anyone'in his work during the war 'J lus was the third presentation that he had made to iVLr Macdonald on behaii ot the congregation, and he was all aid Unit it was going to be the last. _ Addressing -Mr -Macdonald, -Mr Cam said: “The congregation has asked me to hand you tins packet containing co.jU as a token 01 the high esteem and goodwill 111 which you are held after twenty years anti two months faithful service, and we all earnestly pray that you will long be spared, ancl hope to see you once again." (Applause.) “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow" was sung, and on rising to reply the guest of the evening was received witli ail ovation. Fie said that on coming on to the platform a friend had asked him if lie left nervous, and he had replied “No,” hut after all he had to confess that’he was leeling nervous. He deeply felt the wrench at parting witli liis congregation. It was a difficult thing to compress twenty years' experience into a brief space, 'there had been great changes in that period, especially among tne older generations, wiio liau come to the country in tlio ’sU’s and ’6os of last century, and had done tlieir work faitlilully and well. He had seen a procession of doctors, mayors, councillors, teachers, business men and other puolic citizens pass, with the possible exception of two —Mr Aspinall and Mr liaiuoridge, and lie would take this opportunity of thanking the Press for tlieir kindness. The great event during Ins ministry had been the Great War, and as a town, they had done their duty, and he did not" know a town of a similar size that had done better. The war was won by everyone pulling together, and thanks, very largely, to their energetic Mayor, Mr Gunnion, Teinuka did its share in bringing about the victory. (Appiausei.) The " sad part of the war was the .LUO otld young lives that were lost from the district. Of his Church work he was going to let that speak for itself. One thing he would say was that he had worked hard, but there lyerei a lot of hard workers in the congregation, and lie would like to particularly mention M.r S. McCully. (Applause.) Some of those present would remember at the welcome social which was held in the Drill Hall, when he had remarked that “He was coming, not as a sheep dog, but as a shepherd." He had tried to stick to that, but like other ministers he had been part of each. He did not come to please everyone, but always preached as he thought. He had been twenty years in Teinuka and twelve in Taranaki, and only once had there been a division in the session, and that was only' over a matter of small consequences. Regarding his relations with other churches they had been of the best, and he could honestly' say that he had never had an angry word with anyone in connection, with them, and that ivas how it should be. He cordially wished to thank them for their magnificent present. There were only' two occasions when money' was valuable, and that was when one wanted to travel, or when there was liiness in the home. This was not the first occa--1 sion on which lie Lad been the recipient of a handsome cheque from them, and he could only' thank them. He had also received a cheque from the Orari-Ran-gitata mission a lew day's ago. (Applause.) He was exceedingly' sorry to leave the manse, which he considered was the best in New Zealand. He was sorry to leave his friends, and sorry to leave his work, but he must have a break, and go to a warmer climate. He was sorry to leave South Canterbury'. Of all the places he had seen, South Canterbury was the finest, and his advice to all of them was —Stick to South Canterbury' and South Canterbury' would stick to them. The climate was excellent, and he was pleased to say that he had a much longer spell of good health here than he had ever had in his life. With these -words he would take his leave. He hoped that they would soon settle down under their new minister, and that the Church would continue to go ronvard with renewed vigour. His parting wish -was: —

“That we on various shores now cast, Shall rest, our perilous voyage past, All in our Father’s home at last.”

Hearty votes of thanks were passed to Mr S. McCully for his work in collecting for the fund; to the performers and to the ladies for such an excellent supper, and to the chairman. The assembly then sang “Auld Lyne Syne,” and the Benedmtion pronounced by the chairman, terminated a memorable gathering. Mr Macdonald afterwards personally said good-bye to a large number of those present.

CHILDREN’S PRESENTATION TO MISS McGOUGAN.

On Thursday morning Miss McGougan said farewell to the infant classes of the Temuka District High School, and on behalf of the little ones Mr Malcolm, the headmaster, took occasion to present her with a handsome hand mirror ' and two volumes of Australian poems. He expressed the hope that the mirror might prove a magic one, which would reliect not only her own face but the faces of all the little children she had taught in Temuka. He wished lier a pleasant voyage back to Canada and many years of prosperity and good health, and said that they would all look forward to the day when she would pay a return visit to Temuka. In reply Miss McGougan expressed lier great; regret at having to leave the school and the district. She urged the little ones work hard at their lessons, but she impressed upon them above all things that it was much better to be good and kind th-citi it was to be clever. Sc.n thanked the children for their beautiful gifts, and said that she would always remember the very happy tune sue had spent among them. The children then pave three ringing cheers for their jteacher, and Miss McGougan said goodbye. TEMUKA PICTURES TO-NIGHT. \ special holiday programme will be screened at Temuka to-night, the star being Bebe Daniels in “tolie Couldn t Help It.’’ adapted from tho novel, In the Bishop’s Carriage.” A Paramount Magazine and a Harold Lloyd comedy, “Sailor-made Man,” will complete a splendid programme.

MRS T. E. TAYLOR IN TEMUKA

The Temuka branch of the AV.C.T.U. heartilv invites all interested to hear an „j,ibv Airs T. it. Taylor, president of the Christchurch W.C.T.U., in the Methodist Church to-morrow evening at 7.30. A collection in aid of the expenses will be taken.