Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/74

44 the success which marked his ministerial labours in Otago and Southland.

Many years ago I had occasion to visit Lake Wakatipu district when the means of conveyance from Winton to Kingston, at the southern end of the lake, was by a two-horse coach, whose springs were more noted for their strength than for their elasticity. During the journey snow fell at intervals. On my arrival at Kingston about 8 p.m. Mrs Anderson of the hostelry told me that Mr Ross, the minister of Queenstown, had come by the steamer that day, and was holding a prayer meeting in the schoolhouse. Knowing he would be pleased to have some assistance, I made my way to the meeting. Knocking at the door and getting no response, I raised the latch and stood at the entrance for a few moments. Mr Ross then turned his eyes towards me, his brow becoming furrowed with many wrinkles. He suddenly rose from his seat exclaiming, "Dr Stuart!" and then with a hop, step, and leap he reached me, and with Highland ardour welcomed me to Kingston. His failure to recognise me at first was not surprising, as I stood in the doorway with my plaid hanging loosely from my shoulders, and partly covered with snow. I took my seat with the five lads—all who had assembled that evening for prayer. Mr Ross wisely employed part of the hour in explaining some striking illustrations contained in a copy of the British Workman. He had come all the way from Queenstown to meet the scattered families of the place, and all that met him were the five boys I have mentioned, but he threw as much earnestness and energy into the work as if the little schoolroom had been crowded. Mr Ross urged me to preach there next Sabbath, and as I was anxious to have a decent audience I became my own bellman and beadle. I made known far and near that I should preach in the schoolhouse. The Sabbath proved calm and bright, and considering the locality, a goodly company had assembled by 11 o'clock. Mr Blair, the well-known contractor for the construction of the Kingston section of the railway, and a number of his men, swelled the audience. The school forms were so few that three-fourths of the congregation had to stand. At the close of the service I announced for next evening a lecture on England's first colony, and a collection to provide a parish Bible and additional seating. I asked Mr Blair to patronise the venture. He replied, "Come