OLD MEN’S HOME.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 677, 1 July 1882, Page 2

OLD MEN’S HOME.

The inmates of the Old Men’s' Home had a thoroughly “ good time ” last evening, thanks to the kindness of the Good Templars. A short while back the Dawn of Peace Lodge determined to hold an entertainment at the Home, and three lady Templars—Mesdames Manhire and Hefford and Miss Raymond were appointed a committee to supervise the arrangements. Mr C. Bourk fixed up a temporary stage in the “ day-room ” of the Home, and placed everything in readiness for the evening’s amusement. Shortly before eight o’clock last evening the old men assembled in the big room, and the visitors, of whom there were a good many present, began to arrive. The entertainment commenced with songs, readings, and recitations by Mesdames Manhire, Vaughan, Tippetts, Lawrence (Tinwald), Harrison (Trevorton), and Messrs Pickford, Vaughan, and Jessop. Miss Andrews presided at the piano hired for the occasion from Mr H. M. Jones, and Mr Geo. Andrews acted as chairman. The various songs, eta, were heartily applauded, and the first part of the evening’s amusement was brought to a most successful conclusion. After a brief interval, the curtain rose on that capital little comedy “ Nan, the Good-for-Nothing,” in which Mr Elston appeared as Nan’s father and was well supported by Mr Vaughan* : as the “ other father ” of the naughty little girl who afterwards becomes so good. Mr Jessop appeared as the young carpenter, and last, but by no means least, Mrs Teppett enacted the character of Nan. The piece went as merrily as possible, and kept the entire. audience laughing, including the old men, who seemed to relish the fun very keenly. The performance was not over until

about half past 10, and it passed off so well that it is not improbable that the same ladies and gentlemen will give another ere long. They are certainly deserving of all praise for their efforts to amuse the inmates of the Home, by whom their kindness will not be readily forgotten. One word, and we have done. Last night, we believe the old men . were seated on the back benches, the visitors occupying the front seats. This is reversing the proper order of things. The entertainment was got up for the benefit of the inmates of the institution, and not for the amusement of the general public. Many of the old fellows are dim of sight and hard of hearing, an i their comfort ought to be the first consideration. We are pleased to learn that the Christchurch Hospital and Charitable Aid Board have given their sanction to the Master of the Home, Mr Harris, raising a public subscription for the purchase of a piano to be used for church services and also for any entertainments that may be given from time to time at the Home. Doubtless the appeal will be liberally responded to by the townspeople.