In alluding to the difficulties encountered by the clergy m propagating the Gospel of Christ nt ft period when the ■ population of the district was very sparse, / and the facilities for travelling were very different from what they are nt the present day, the reverend gentleman compared the march of Christianity to the abolition of the old Cathedral of Canterbury, which had served its purpose well, but which was buried m oblivion dince the erection of the new Cathedral m 1875. The district under his control for ninny years embraced the whole of the Wairau, Picton, and the East Coast as far as Knitvma. Gradually, as population increased, churches were built nt Pieton, Koikourn, Spring Creek, mid Wftir.iu Valley, therp. were now fivelclmrches, three parsonages, and four resident clergy men. He was going home to the country of his birth nod early associations for a period of twelve months, and trusted to he able on his return to impart and develop new ideas. He' felt that his isolated position bod m a great measure debarred him from acquiring that knowledge which would enable him to keep pace with the times ; and he was pleased to know that the tme who would take his place during bis absence was ex perienced m Church matters. He thank fully acknowledged the assistance and encouragement he had received from the lay brethren of the congregation. In con clusion, he alluded to tho pain ho expe rienced m parting from his friends, even for a short season, and earnestly prayed that they would not be induced to stray from truth and righteousness, whioh was their highest and most urgent duty. We understand Archdeacon Butt will leave Here on Thursday next. * The North IslandAßaimvay —The system of railway management obtaining at | Auckland appears to be eminently unsatisfactory. It is alleged that the carnages are m a generally dirty condit ion, and that the arrangements m any case of emergency are most miserable. On Boxing day the Attorney. General was one of those who experienced the effect of what has been expressively termed au ugly rush; "and vet," says the "Herald" thero was no reform!" "•■ "Scribuer's Monthly" has this negio aphorism ; "Always drink puro water. Many a man gets drunk from breakin' dia rule."

A Brutal Father. 