PRESENTATION TO THE REY. H. B. BURNETT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3436, 16 April 1879, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. H. B. BURNETT.

On Friday evening last, a Committee representing the members of the Ashburton Presbyterian congregation, met at the reaidence of Mr Burnett, for fche purposo of presenting thafc gentleman with an address aud a pursof sovereigns on tho occasion of his leaving the district. The Committee consisted of Messrs A. Orr, Gavin, W. Taylor, S. Wilson, and J. M'Donald.

Mr Gavin, who was voted to the chair, said fchey had met fchafc evening, in order fco show the respect and goodwill which the people of Ashburton entertained towards their late pastor, Mr Burnett. The example shown them by the residents of AshtoD, Waterton, and Wakanui, was one which tho Ashburton residents determined to follow. He (tho Chairman) remembered whon Mr and Mrs Burnett arrived in Canterbury, and he assisted in welcoming Mr Burnett as an additional pastor in connection with the Canterbury Presbyterian Church Extension Association. Mr Burnett had been ever to him a warm friend and a faithful minister. The Chairman then asked Mr M'Donald to read an address, which it is intended to have drawn up in an illuminated form.

Mr M'Donald then read the address, which was expressive of the esteem in which the reverend gentleman was held, and the good wishes of the subscribers.

The Rev H. B. Burnett feelingly replied, and expressed his deep gratitude for their kindly expressed feelings towards Mrs Burnett and himself on their leaving Ashburton. Mr Burnett referred to fche time when he firsfc came amongst fchem up to the present time, and the march of progress the country had made since then. He also hoped that evory prosperity would attend the work of Presbyterianism in Ashburton, and that God's blessing would always remain with thorn and bless their labours. Mr Burnett again thanked them heartily for their address and presentation.

Mr W. Taylor said that all thoso who had given towards the testimonial to Mr Burnett spoke in the highest terms of the good qualities of their lato pastor, and were sorry to lose liim. Other denominations had subscribed as well, thus showing the estimation Mr Burnett was held in by them.

The proceedings then closed

Last week a deputation, consisting of Mrs Trevor, Mrs A. Orr, and Mi?s Chalmers, representing the Ashburton lady friends of Mrs Burnett, waited on that lady for the purpose of presenting her with a set of ailver, and a puree of 25 sovereigns.' Miss Chalmers, in handing Mrs Burnett the presents, expressed tho high esteem in which Mrs Burnett was held by the ladies of Ashburton, and hoped the presentation would be accepted as a token and expression of their good wishes and regard. Mrs Burnett replied, and thanked the ladies for their handsomo present. Mrs Burnett was also presented with a honey pot mounted in silvor, by the members of her class in the Sunday school.