Garrison Hall.

At the Garrison Hall on Sunday a service in memory of the late Mrs Captain Best was held, there being a large number present. The Rev. Mr Ready in the course of his remarks referred to the many excellent Christian qualities which characterised the deceased lady's life, and the fortitude and resignation with which she had [unclear: horne] the illness which eventuated in her death. He also mentioned that her husband, the late Captain Best, who perished in the ill-fated [unclear: kaknui], was a member of that congregation, Etbe last sermon he had heard on earth was delivered at one of their services in the Rattray [unclear: eet] Hall. Mr Ready, before concluding, also referred to the late Dr Stuart, speaking as follows:—"We have been called upon to sustain a great loss in the death of our dear and beloved Dr Stuart. The best eulogy that can possibly be given to the doctor was the expression of universal sympathy manifested last Wednesday at his funeral. In character he was humble, gentle, and generous. Although he took a leading part in all Christian and philanthropic work there was no ostentation in his spirit or bearing. Most affectionately he went in and out among his brethren and his fellow-citizens. He was a man greatly beloved. His sympathies were as wide as the Cross. His heart was strange to no man's heart, for no heart was beyond his sympathy. Little children received his benedictions, and men and women struggling with the worries and anxieties of life his counsel and help. He was kind and courteous to all. He was a man of liberal sentiment, of broad and Catholic sympathies—no narrow sectarian was he; his heart was too warm and too big for that. He was deeply interested in the work and progress of every good institution and church. His death is a national loss to us. We will miss him. A good minister of Jesus Christ, a kind brother, and a valued citizen is gone from our midst. All churches will miss his wise counsel, his generous help, his warm sympathy and his genial presence. We deeply sympathise with the congregation at Knox Church. There is no doubt many of them feel, to say as Dr Pierson said concerning the death of C. H. Spurgeon, 'When God made Spurgeon He broke the mould.' It is questionable whether the congregation will find another Dr Stuart. But it is not all darkness; a Divine light rests upon this scene of sorrow. 'We sorrow not even as others which have no hope.' Our dear friend, brother, minister is gone from us, but he is gone to Christ. The loss is ours, the gain is his. John Foster calls death 'a radiant idea.' The holy, happy dead are 'like the stars by day—withdrawn from mortal eye, but not extinct: they hold on their way in glory through the sky.' Our friend is still ours—'not lost, but gone before.' Farewell, dear brother and friend. Thy memory will long be fragrant. Thy 'works will follow thee,' a potent influence for good in the midst of men. Thy happy spirit is ascended to those that are 'perfect.' One more motive have we who still tread the pilgrim's path to the celestial country, in the prospect of meeting our sainted friend, brother, citizen, minister there."