The Town Hall (writes our correspondent) was crowded on Wednesday evening, when a farewell social was tendered to the Rev. Mr. Hastie, who is retiring from the Presbyterian ministry. A large number of clergymen from all parts of the district were on the platform, and, in addition, several old friends of the reverend guest occupied prominent places. The Rev. Mr. Adam took the chair. Addresses were given by the Revs. Kennedy, Gray and Hutchinson, and Mr. Lewis. In each case testimony was borne to Mr. Hastie's noble Christian life and the part which he had taken in helping onward his younger brethren in the ministry.

The Rev. Elder Gray presented an address on behalf of the Ballarat Presbytery. He spoke of Mr. Hastie as 'the father of the Victorian Presbyterian Church,' and concluded an enthusiastic speech by reading the address, which referred in terms of hearty sincerity to the recipient's worth and work as member of presbytery.

On behalf of the members of the congregation, a handsome illuminated address and a purse of 150 sovereigns were then presented. Mr. R. Scott, Mr. Hastie's oldest friend, and a parishioner of over 45 years' standing, made the presentation.

Mr. D. Kerr, secretary, read the address, which spoke of Mr. Hastie's half century's labors, and recapitulated the history of the church during his tenure of office. The congregation testified through the address to the reverend recipient's fearlessness, faithfulness, and winning sincerity, and to his estimable private character and blameless daily walk and conversation.

Appreciation of Mrs. and Miss Hastie's work in connection with the church, Sunday school, &c., was placed on record. I quote verbatim one portion of the address, which seemed especially to please the large audience assembled: - "Forty-five years spent in one place in the active service of the Master! During that time what changes you have seen! What vicissitudes you have undergone! What anxieties have beset you! What labors you have performed! What threats you have endured! and what triumphs you have achieved! and now, beloved and honored, you nobly resign to your successor, and lay aside the active duties of your high and sacred office, doubtless with feelings of regret, but with becoming calmness and dignity."

The address was signed by the elders - Messrs. R. Scott, R. Graham, C. Topp, H. M. Greaves, J. Martin, J. Forrest, junior; and by members of the committee - Messrs. F. A. Anderson, D. Kerr, P. Hedrick, T. Rankin, A Robertson, J. Thomas, A. Scott.

The Rev. Mr. Hastie, in responding, thanked all his friends for their kindness, not only on that evening, but also during his lengthy ministry. He gave many pleasing reminiscences of his long sojourn in the district, and spoke in heartfelt thankful terms of the goodness of God to him all through his long career. Very many of the audience were visibly affected by this last speech, as an active minister, of their good old pastor.

The chairman on behalf of a few of Miss Hastie's intimate friends presented that young lady with some handsome jewellery: there was some very hearty applause when Miss Hastie bowed her thanks for the beautiful gifts.

During the evening appropriate musical selections pleasingly varied the proceedings. Miss Nicholls rendition of "Ora pro nobis" was evidently appreciated by the audience, and similar praise is due to a duet by Misses A. Graham and Nicholls, "Life's dream is o'er, farewell!" Miss Graham proved herself to be a competent organist and accompanist.

At the request of Mr. H. M. Greaves a hearty vote of thanks, carried by acclamation, was tendered to the ladies who had not only done the major part of the work in preparing the presentations, but had also decorated the hall and provided refreshments for the large audience.

It should also be mentioned that Mr. J. G. Davies, M.A., by request, read a letter from Mrs. Hastie, in which old and young were thanked for the loving kindness and sympathy always shown to the writer and her husband. Mrs. Hastie wrote: - "Before we sailed for this distant land, in May, 1842, my loved and honored father said that words could not express the sorrow he felt at parting with us, but added that he felt sure that God would raise up friends to us wherever we went. His words have come true."

The whole meeting was characterised by the utmost warmth and the God speed tendered to the venerable departing minister was worthy of the occasion.