TESTIMONIAL TO THE VERY REV. THE DEAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3380, 7 February 1879, Page 3

TESTIMONIAL TO THE VERY REV. THE DEAN.

A meeting was held afc 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, afc the offices of Mr Makeig, Hereford street, for the purpose of taking into consideration a proposal for fche presentation of a testimonial to the VeryRev, the Dean. During the recent session of Synod there was a considerable amount of eulogistic comment upon the great aid which was being rendered by fche Dean, nofc only a3 President of Synod during the absence of the Primate in England, bufc also in the general conduct of the affairs of fche church in fche diocese, Ifc was suggested that these eminent services might be gracefully recognised by presenting the Dean with tho funds which would be required fco enable him to take up the degree of Doctor of Divinity. The present meeting was fche outcome of thafc suggestion, which bad already been acted upon in a practical manner. The chair was taken by Mr W. C. Walker, Ashburton, who explained thafc as he was not much in Christchurch, he desired, fco secure local aid for getting in fche subscriptions, the promises being ample, for carrying out fche object in view. All that seemed to be really necessary was to collect, in the subscriptions. Offers- of aid had now been received from several gentlemen. Ifc might be suggested fco those who were afc fche meeting thafc fche presentation might be made in a formal manner, as, for instance, by a deputation.

A general conversation ensued, the following gentlemen taking part therein : — The Yen. Archdeacon Dudley, Rev. J. W. Stack, Mr F. G. Stcadman, Mr Blakiston, Mr F. de C. Malet, and the Rev. W. A. Pascoe.

The Rev J. W. Slack undertook to collect the subscriptions promised by the clergy.

Some discussion took place as to whether auy limit should be placed upon the amount of subscriptions, fche general feeling appearing fco be that the matter had best bo left to bhe discretion of subscribers.

Messrs F. de C. Malet and Blakiston undertook to get; in fche general subscriptions, and the proceedings then terminated.

Ifc is probable thafc the aggregate sum. collected will considerably exceed the amount required for the expressed purposo wliieh the promoters have in view.