CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEA MEETING AND SOIREE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 915, 31 October 1879, Page 3

CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEA MEETING AND SOIREE.

This gathering, which has been eagerly looked forward to, especially by the youngsters, for some time past, was bell in the Town Hall, Clyde, on Tuesday evening last. There 'was a goodly number of visitors from the surrounding districts, and this number would have been largely added to but for a heavy downfall of rain in the afternoon. The hall had been most tastefully decorated with evergreens and banners, whde the tables were laden with bouquets of flowers. Over lot) sat down to tea, which was laid on three tables, and presided over by Mesdamcs Ash, Auckland, Clark, Leahy, Macgoorgc, Wilson, and Walker. The'cake xml buns were supplied by Mr Bell, and Mr Parks kept the presidents of the tables in continuous hot water. After tea, and after the tables bad been partly cleared, the juveniles had a romp, when on returning to the hall the choir, 1c I by Mr Stevens, sang a hymn or two. The piano was kindly lent by Mr John Cox, of the Port Philip Hotel. The ha 1 was then darkened, and some very excellent dissolving views exhibited by Mr -Ash, who had gone to great pains to show them to the best advantage The first was a set of pictures illustrating Bunyau’s Pilgrim's Progress, and the next a miscellaneous collection of comic moveable slides, which brought thunders of applause from the juveniles After this portion of the entertainment was over Mr Ash made a few remarks on the state of affairs of the Church, lamenting the want of unanimity that existed, and apathy that was shown in Church matters generally. He also stated the pleasure ho felt in seeing such a gathering there that evening, and thanked those who had travelled from a distance to he present. The Rev Mr Lothian, Mr Wilson, and Mr Stevens also addressed the audience. Mr Macgeorge sang a couple of songs, and Mrs Lothian and Miss Golding gave a vocal duet very feelingly. The choir sang another hymn, and a few closing remarks from Mr Ash brought the proceedings to a finish about 10 o’clock. The arrangements throughout were most complete, and reflect credit alike on Mr Ash and the ladies who took a prominent part in the proceedings. We heard but one opinion, and that' was that all—both old and young—had enjoyed themselves.