THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TEA MEETING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1555, 11 May 1887, Page 2

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TEA MEETING.

Notwithstanding tho unfavorable weather last night, the above affair came off very successfully m the Oddfellows' Hall, a very largo number of visitors being present at tho tea, all the tables being crowded soon after tho doors wore opened, and a great many people having to wait for a second sitting. Tho various tables were loaded with all the delicacies and tempting dishes usually found at meetings of this chnracter, and a very profuse assortment of choice cut flowers greatly assisted m making up an exceedingly attractive display on all the tables Tho tables were provided by, aad the good things dispensed to tho visitors m the following order :— No 1 table, Mrs Lamb, assisted by Miss Lamb and Mrs Mullinß ; No. 2 .-.table, Mrs Jamieson, as 6isted by the Misses Jamieson (3) ; No. 3 table, Mrs A. Orr, assisted by Misses Orr, J. Arthur, and O. Alcorn ; No, 4 table, Mrs Rutherford, assisted by Mrs Loahy, Misses Dick nnd M. Arthur; No 5 table, Mrs Kidd, assisted by Misses Kidd, Shury, and Allsn ; No G table, Mrs Grubb, nssisted by the Misses Grubb (3); No 7. table, Mrs W. A ndereon, assisted by Mrs Church : No. 8 table, presided over by Missos Boyle (2), Bennetts, and Deakin ; No 9, bachelor's table presided over by Misses Hepburn, Patterson, ond Houston. After tho tea tables had been clearod away, and seats arranged, the hall very soon tilled with a large audience for tho usual nftpr meeting, for which a very attract ye programme was promised, and by the applause at frequent intervals, those present mußl havo considered tho promise fully ennietf out, the speeches being very good m each case, and attentively listened to. A number of printed programmes were distributed to those taking part, nnd this attention eoemed to be much appreciated. The chair was occupied as usual by the Rev A. M. Beattie, ond^ the mooting commonced by choir and audience singing yerseg pf the 100 th psalm, followed by a short prayer by tjio Chairman. The choir then gave a spirited piece, " Wako the song of Jubilee, and the Chairman fchen gav^ a short address on Church mattors geneially. Mr Webßter then sang "The Englishman," and was succeeded by Rev E. A, Scott, who took " Leisure hours nnd how best to spend them " for his theme, bring, ing m happily, the hope that the Chairman's enforced " leisure hours " for the next few weeks (caused by his ill-health), might bo productivo of greatly increased energy and strength for his wpik. Miss H. Barratt then sang "Consider tjj.o Lilios," ond the platform was then taken by Rev Stewart of Rakaia, who made a very characteristic and highly amusing speech, on tho good work done by toa meetings, both for church work, mucic, and finance. Tho glee tC Now pray we fo.r our country," by the choir, was followed by a trio by Misses Boyle (2), and Miss H. Barratt, «• Oh, softly breathe." Rev D. McNicoll then addressed the meeting, his remarks being based on "various ways of preaching." Miss Deakin then gave the solo " Dublin Bay," followed by piano solo by Miss Orr, "Highland Gems," Mr and Mrs Gamble fyon treating the audience io a"due,tfc, "Ring out Wild Bells." Mr Kneen, who had very kindly conducted for the choir, then sang " Cleansing Fires," and Mr J, W. Sawla followed, his spee,oh being dev.qted £o the subject of " After meetings, and how to Improve them," Mr ' Atkinson's solo, *'The Outpost," jyas then gjyep, and "Mr J. Ward's vory amusing reading «/Tljo Bashful Man" came next. Miss Kidd, tho popular orgaDist of the Church (who, Mr Knoen,very kindly p!aycd tho a^aocpanitnonta on piano and organ) then B>ng "Heaven and 'Earth," the choir giving the anthem " How Boautjful," Mr Simstson closing"' ilia ' musical 'part by singing -'.'The Imp Ohojft." Votes tff! thanks to the In4|#s providing jtableb, ; special reference being made co ths W.prjfc done by tho ladies at the bachelors table were proposed by Mr Baxter ; to tho organist, cfaoir £nd singer, by Mr Hogg ; and to tho speakers by ji£r Webster, were carried by acclamation, aud £bio very successful meo'ing m every way 'was then cl«so4 by the Chairman pronouncing the benedicti n