ST. MATTHEW'S SOCIAL GATHERING.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1700, 30 July 1875, Page 4

ST. MATTHEW'S SOCIAL GATHERING.

IHE panshoners of St. Matthew's held their annual social gathering last evening in the Lome-street Hall under the direction of the minister. A plentiful tea was provided, served up by the young ladies, to which about 300 persons sat down. The Rev. Mr Hassard presided, supported by the Reverend Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland), Rev. Mr. Dudley, Colonel Haultain, Major Tisdall, and other gentlemen. The Rev. Mr. Hassard, in a neat speech, referred to the pleasure he felt in meeting his friends, whom it was almost impossible to meet individually under other circumstances, and he hoped they would all endeavour to be pleased, and theirs would not be an unprofitable meeting. The choir then gave the " Shepherd's Sabbath Eve," under the leadership of Mr. Joseph Browne ; Mr Rice presiding at the piano. Several pleasing ballads were sung by Miss Leaf, (Strangers Yet) Mrs Jagger, and Mr Harker. The St. Matthew's Sunday-bchool choir, under Mr Webb, their careful teacher, gave a glee, which was well received. Mr. T. L. White gave a reading from MarlTwain's " Innocent's Abroad" in good style. Dr. Cowie spoke on the advantages of social gatherings as a bond of union between a minister and his flock, and Mr. Dudley delivered an excellent speech on unfulfilled obligations of Christian fellowship. 'Ihe proceedings closed with the National Anthem as the rain fell in torrents.