spread feelings of regret, and before his departure for Dunedin many leading men of his native country united in doing him honour. The University of Edinburgh conferred upon him the degree of LL.D., and two public farewell dinners were given him, one by his professional brethren, the other by a large company of the more eminent friends of education in Scotland, the latter being presided over by the Right Honourable Sir Lyon Playfair, M.P.
Dr Macdonald arrived in Dunedin on November 7, 1878, and at once entered on the duties of the rectorship. He threw himself with characteristic zeal and energy into his work, with such beneficial results to the school that in 1883—five years after his arrival—the attendance had increased to nearly 300 pupils. But, as in Edinburgh, his efforts and influence soon extended beyond the limits of the schoolroom. Almost immediately on his arrival he became a member of Knox Church congregation, and took a warm and active interest in its welfare. He was elected a member of the Session in 1880, and his wise counsels and rare gifts soon made themselves felt. In the same year he was prevailed upon to accept the office of supermtendent of the main Sabbath School, but the state of his health compelled him in 1883 to relinquish a position for which he was in all respects preeminently fitted, and in which he rendered noble service. He took part occasionally in the congregational and prayer meeting services, and those who enjoyed the privilege of listening to him on such occasions still speak in the warmest terms of the remarkable unction that characterised his prayers and his reading of the Scriptures. His reading of the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians at the conclusion of the communion services is described as having been most impressive. His gift of oratory was of a high order, and more than once speeches made by him on public occasions in Dunedin electrified his audience, and created a profound impression. He had that personal presence and magnetic influence which at once inspire confidence; and those who came in contact with him were made quickly to recognise his power. It was not merely in connection with secondary education and as an office-bearer and member of the church that Dr Macdonald held an honourable place. He was a useful member of the University Council, and held a seat on an important commission appointed by the Government to inquire into the state of the higher education in New Zealand. The public school-masters learned how warm and sym-
