THE REV J. McWILLIAM.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3868, 28 July 1873, Page 3

THE REV J. McWILLIAM.

At the conclusion of a meeting of the Harmonic Society held at Otaki last week a silver tea and coffee service, accompanied with the appended address, was presented to the Rev J. Me William : — Otaki, July 21st, 1873. To the Rev James Me William. Rev and dear Sib,— l have the pleasing duty to inform you that your neighbours and friends have concurred to beg your acceptance of a small testimonial in recognition of your past services in this district. We beg to observe that many of us have seen you from early youth devoting your time and energies in the sacred cause of the ministry. Being actuated by truly Chiistian principles, your course has been undeviating and most successful, and we feel that you are eminently suited to the time and place in which your duties lie. Your ministry amongst us has been in strict accordance with the doctrines of our Protestant church, and you have devoted a due portion of your time to the training and educating of ±hat band of hope — the poor children of both races-r-whose affections you have secured by uniform kindness.

But you have sought yet another class, viz, the youth of the district : those you have called together, and placed before them rational amusements and instructive books, and endeavoured to turn them from courses of idleness, dissapation, and intemperance, which, must have eventuated in ruin of soul and body. We commend our hearty respects to your father and mother, Dr and Mrs Me William, senr : their worth is well known and appreciated in their circle and neighbourhood ; and we feel assured that this testimonial to their son's worth will gladden their hearts. We congratulate you on having chosen for your partner in life a lady who could bring with her a public testimonial of merit and regard. We pray that you may both of you be long preserved and prospered in your labour of love. On behalf of committee. Charles George Hewson, M.D.