SOIREE.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XII, Issue 87, 1 November 1892, Page 2

SOIREE.

Presbyterian Anniversary.

This event, which was celebrated in the St Paul’s School room last Friday, was attended by a greater number than the managers have previously had to entertain. The accommodation of the new building was taxed to the utmost. Commodious as it is, it proved too small to seat all who attended the after meeting—standing room was not obtainable by a number. Ttie room was fitted up with three well arranged tables for the tea, to which, it is estimated, nearly 300 sat down, including young and old. The “ feast ” was one of super-excellence, the table decorations being in harmony with the tempting display of good things, indeed it would be difficult to conceive anything better than the manner in which the spread, was presented. Great credit is due to Mesdames Davidson, Gumiey, llorrison and Schroder for the way in which this part of the proceedings was prepared and carried out under their directions. They had as able and attentive assistants—charming assistants, it was remarked—the Misses Davidson (2), Gerraod, Grant, Haswell, Laugesen, McAra (2), McLauchlan (3), and Schroder (2). The music, both by all the soloists and the choir, was very pleasingly rendered, the various items being received in a manner which gave evidence of the highest approval.

THE AFTER MEETING

Began with an Anthem, very well rendered by the Ctioir, after which the Rev. Chairman offered up a short prayer. Miss Laugesen then sang “Charity.”

The Chairman said that the next item on the programme would be a brief one. It was “ the Chairman’s address,” which would he shod. Though they had not many speakers they hid a good programme of musical and literary selections. They were celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of the establishment of their Church They had had various ups and downs during the p ist, and difficulties to contend with since they started, but they had much to be thankful tor, ami much to encourage them 'ihey were humbly working in the Master's cause, in which they had attained considerable success in the truest sense of that tel tn. They were hopeful of even greater success in tbe future. The Anniversary they were engag d m celebrating ha>l proved one of the —Must “"(I they ba 1 bad.j The pleasure and success'll the Anniversary were marked by the cdfiMirt affor.ied them by the splendid new building which they were using for the first time lor tueir Anniversary purposes. He pioceeded to refer to the nature ot the work they were engaged in as a Churcu, which was viewed as a great blessing by oid and young in the congregation. They existed as a congregation for the advancement of the moral growth of one and all. The real object of man's life was not tbe exercise of his physical powers, but his preparation for a niguer, purei and nob.er existence hereaiter. They existed as a Christian Church to assist in fitting men and women tor tuat higher and better life. He hoped that would never be lost sight of by them. It was not a minister’s mission to say smooth things, but to teil the people that they were sinners, and to point out toe path they should tread. Leading them to live a Christ-like life. He hoped that they would spend a profitable evening together. Choir : Anthem No. 17.

The Chairman said that he was, of course, disappointed at the absence of Mr Robb, who could not attend in consequence of the ceremony attendant upon the opening of the new Church in Blenheim, and the Tea-meeting list Wednesday. And in consequence of the Anniversary here he aud Mr Robb had been unable to render one another mutual assistance. Mr Campbed was also prevented attending owing to duties in his charge. M.s Hopkins sang " Consider tbe L lies.” The chairman said th.- growtn ot the lily contained a valuable lesson to man. it grew in beauty as it opened itself to the sun. and so man's nature w»u d glow in grace as it was presented to don smfiuciice.' Mr Borthwick read “ The Bashful Man,” which provoked much laughter. The Chsirm in made some humorous comments on the basotulness ot some men and bow such cou.d be cured. Miss Da.iUson s.ing ” L'tie Eternal City Miss Laugesen next recited “ I'he Lower Orders,” whicu was rapturous.y api> a ided. the Cbauman said Miss Laugesen’s recitation contained as much goo.i t.aching as could be louud m a uoz n sermons Ihe lower orders were not toe humtue >r poor, but tbe vile, the vicious aiiu the criminal. Those who did not fear God, aud sucu as did not want uprigutly. Au Ainueiii was then sung, and a collection taken up by Mr G. Korrisou aud Mr Gumiey. The Chainmn called upon Mr Bullen to address the meeting, remarking, that Mr Builen considered working more in his hue than talking, and right nouly had he worked in God's cause here.

Mr Bulien expressed great pleasure in again seeing so many present at their anniversary. He was astonished at the gathering when he remembered their first annual meeting Fiileen yeats appeared a long time when looking forward, and

yet tbe past fifteen years had sped at a rate that made it appear as nothing, comparatively. He had enjoyed himself, as he felt satisfied all had, that evening. Mrs Somerville sang “ The Land o’ the Leal.”

The Chairman said that the song Mrs Somerville bad sung was one of the most beautiful ever composed. It was written in the classics (laughter), such being understood by very lew here. Capt Davidson, who was called upon to make a few remarks, said that he and Mr Bullen were men of few words, perhaps fewer than any member of tbe congregation. He proceeded to make a brief, but very amusing, “ Financial Statement.” and concluded by intimating that as Church Treasurer he was always prepared to receive contributions.

Mrs Hopkins and Mrs Sandford then sang “ The Master's Garden.”

The Chairman said that brought them to the end of their programme. If they bad not had quantity they certainly had had quality. He spoke of the elevating infhretfce of good music ; of the power of music; and of its soothing effects. He related an instance of men who were not on the best of terms being reunited in amity at a concert given by the famous Kennedy family through the influence of the music they heard. They could do much in Kaikoura to cultivate music, and other elevating influences, while some th ngs could be dispensed with. He hoped that their fifteenth Anniversary would lead to greater social harmony, and that some rough corners would be rubbed off. They should endeavor to enter upon their sixteenth year with a spirit of hopefulness. Tb£y could work better if they went about it in a cheerful manner than if they viewed what fell to their lot as drudgery. Those who went about performing their duty in a cheerful, noble spirit, living a good life, had an e evating influence upon those with whom th.*y catne in co itact.

Mr Bullen proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Sandford, (o the lady soloists and the members of the Choir fo tbe excellent music they had given them. He did not remember having enjoyed music so much before. They were much indebted to Mrs Sandford for her valuable services at the organ.

The Chairman endorsed Mr Bullen's re,marks, referring particularly to Mrs Sandford’s aid. lie then proposed a vote of thanks to the Ladies who had charge of providing the tea, namely: Meslaxnes Davidson. Gumiey, Rbrrison and Schroder. A good tea was the best preface to an evening’s enjoyment such as they had had. Th inks were also due to the young ladies who had acted as waitresses, and to the young gentlemen who had them. f-. w a rtlia”. k s to the speakers—other than himself—and to Miss Laugesen and Mr Borthwick for their contributions, and, finally, to all for tbe liberal response made in tbe collection. After some further lemarks, of a general character, The Choir sang a closing Hymn : “ God be with you till we meet again,” And the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close by pronouncing the Benediction.