THE KETTLE DRUM.

Dunstan Times, Issue 504, 15 December 1871, Page 2

THE KETTLE DRUM.

The long anticipated Band of Hope Festival came off on Friday evening last, thoClh inst., and there has rarely been a more interesting or attractive gathering held in tie Dunstan district. The managing Committee, anxious to please, and evidently impressfd with the truth of the maxim that “ what is worth doing, is worth doing well ” and anxious also to convince the sceptical that the young society is already full of life and energy, and lacking in no respect tho essentials of earnestness of purpose and judicious management; used all efforts to ensure a success ; and happily realised to the full extent their warmest anticipations. According to the arranged programme of proceedings, tea was placed on the table at G p.m., but long before that time, scon s of young lads and lassos, clad in Holiday garl> andhappy asonly children can be, cametrippingto tlieTownHall ; in eager anticipation the treat in store’for them. With thorn of too, came their elders ; parents and friends from every household, and visitors from far and near, all bent on enjoyment. On the doors being' opened the hall was speedily ■ filled with guests and loud were their expressions of admiration. The Hall was beautifully decorated, Mr. T. Webb having, with exceeding good taste, erected a magnificent floral trophy, occupying the entire width of the' Hall, and also decked the tables with an artistic displayed bouquets and evergreens. From the centre of the floral trophy there hung pendant the new banner of- the society—the workmanship and gift of Mr. Auckland—bearing the inscription “ Dunstan Band of Hope," and the motto of the Society “Peace, good will to all men.” The tables were filled with a never failing profusion of good things, all given by friends and well wishers to the cause; and were presided over by Mesdames Hazlett, Wilson, Clark, Beck, Miller, Irving, Rankin, M’Connoehie, Thormahlen, and Miss Coleman. The Rev. J. Jones occupied the chair. About one hundred and forty guests sat down to the repast, and after they had enjoyed the goodly store of dainties prepared for their delectation, the tables were removed in order that the second portion of the programme might be fulfilled. The proceedings commenced by a speech from the Chairman ; brief and to the point, and hence all the more apprecialed. He congratulated the Band of Hope upon the success of their first mcetinu, and explained ; in familiar words (he good effect arising from the early incu cation of habiis of temperance among the young. Total abstinence he said, was started to suppress existing, i evils of intemperance, but the Band of Hope Society differed in its mode of operation. The one arrived at the cure of the evil by inducing men to give up • be use of all intoxicating drinks and to pled themselves to suppress its us - in the commui.i'.y. Tee others sought to prevent the young.from falling into the temptation and allurements that beset their youthful path, by training them to right thoughts about the gifts of the good Creator, and exposing the evils to which iuteii^sim»fl«^i‘fe*cE’; and liy - them together ; pledged to abstain from the use of intoxicating beverages they would not fall into the habit of excess, and would not even acquire a taste for it. , It was, he said, a well known fact that, if a glass of liquor was given to a man to drink j who had never tasted it before, his palate i would naturally reject it; but, by repeated efforts for social purposes lie might soon find his distaste dispelled and from rejection be brought to first tolerate, and | then like, until its use became a necessity, | and at last ho would fall a victim to its enslaving and demoralising power. Acting upon the principle that proven tEn is bettor thru cure ; those i\ ho arc alive (o the evils of strong drink and realize the difliculty'that exists in the way of reform of adults, seek to prevent the young from fal 1 . ing into the drinking customs of society. He concluded by expressing an earnest hope that all the children would rally round the standard unfurled that day upon which was stamped the motto that must comraeud itself to ail. Then followed tho chorus of “Teetotal is the best,” well and vigorously sung by the juvenile members of tbe society. Mr. W. Wilson gave the “Charge of the Six hundred”, which was well received. Messrs. Harvey and Campbell executed, with their accustomed taste and sUilfulucss; a musical duet (Pianoforte and Violin) and wore rapturously applauded. Mr. R, Moore gave an original recitation, a la Shakspcare. Mr. W. Petrie sung the plaintive song “ Erin’s Islo”. The chorus of youngsters again bleu le i their sweet voices to recount the “ Dangers of the first drop". Mr. Smith convulsed the audience by his quaintly humourous recit .tion tf “Jock Thompson's early rising”, Mr. David M'Gonnochie sang “Bonny Prince Charlie”; another well exeouted duet (piano and violin) was given, Master Bob Moore sang a temperance melody and won deserved plaudits : Mr. J. Webb recited an original poem, composed byn lady for some similar demonstration, setting forth the healthful influence of kluly words and friendly greetings, and aptly concluding with the words. “Long may we gather as wo do to-night. Long may we flourish, blending might with right; Bound in one faith, doing all faith can ; To servo God’s beauty in his image man". Then followed a very pleasing- musical trio, by Mr.B Rankin, and Misses M. J. Hastie, and Ellen M'Connochio; MrRankin made a short a nd characteristic speech-; a bevy of pretty maids sung tho amusing chorus of tho “Little Swiss Girls” in lively style; Mr. D. M'Connochio returned thanks to the ladies for their invaluable assistance, and the second part of the entertainment concluded with the National Anthem, sung by the Baud of Hope with a verve and heartiness that spoke volumes for their musical powers "and exuberant loyalty. ' • . * ~ The Hall being cleared for dancing (he

•vliole available space was quickly occupied )y dancers tripping it right merrily. The Jommitteo with commendable forethought, id provided refreshments in the library [joining the Hall, and many of the little ties fairly tired out with enjoyment; havng been taken home for safe keeping, the est of the company danced, or engaged in .iendly converse until the night|had waned far into the “ wee sma hours”. We must riot conclude the notice of this festival, without recording a meed of praise, <abehalf of the public, to the Committee for their unwearying efforts, nor must wt iverlook the many friends who lent a help mg hand. Besides the ladies who preside' at the tables, and also gave freely of them goodly stores of creature comforts; valuable gifts and asistance were rendered by Mesdames Holt, Grindley, Barlow, Westwood, Beck, Naylor, Aldridge, M'Pherson, Ryan, Cox, Marshall, Eames, Auckland, Patterson Fache, Attfield, Cambridge, and by Messrs Hawthorne, Parkes, Connew, Holden, o‘Regan, (of Alexandra,) and J. White, (of Spear-grass Flat). It is not imagined that they are anxious to have their good deeds paraded; but mention is made of then names as evidence of the wide-spread feeling of friendliness and good intent towards thi young society. The profusion of eatables sent in was so great that quite a good display remained on hand, and was sold on the following evening by Auction, realising another addition to the fuudsof the Society. As a financial success also the festival was satisfactory, to which the adjoined balame sheet hears ample testimony. Receipts.

Sale of tickets, cask received at door, and sale of surplus gifts £22 0 G Expenditure. Printing & advertising £3 10 0 Baker’s account ... 0 10 0 Sundries ... 0 -10 — £4 4 0 Balance handed to School Committee 17 10 C £22 0 G