ARCHDEACON HARPER'S VISIT TO CALLAGHANS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1333, 8 January 1881, Page 2

ARCHDEACON HARPER'S VISIT TO CALLAGHANS.

The little township that rejoices in the name of Callaghans w<is the scene last evening of unusual excitement, consequent on a tea meeting aud concert in connection with the visit of the Veu. Archdeacou Harper, of Timaru. Shortly after five o'clock, a special coach conveyed the Archdeacon, the Rt:v. E. A. Scott, and a Urge number of the choir of the Church of England from Itnaura to Callaghans; Prior, however, to the coach reaching the township, the Archdeacon was met by a procession of the children, in full force, carrying flags, who accorded him a most hearty welcome. Meanwhile a numbei of persons had arrived from Itumara and Stafford Town, and, pending " the cup that cheers though not inebriates " being prepared, the visitors took advantage of the interval to stroll round aud see the various claims and workings. In consequence of the building in which the tea was laid being insufficient to meet the requirements of the large attendance, it was feund necessity to serve the tables three times over to accommodate all, and yet, even with this slight drawback, the tea, edibles, and attendants were all that could be desired. The committee are deserving of the highest prai«e for the very tasteful manner in which the tabled were decorated and supplied, the flowers being most artistically arranged in regard to color, and the fruit being fresh and delicious. The room being cleared of the teathings, the second part of the entertainment commenced by the choir rendering, in good time and voice, two i

well-known anthems, Mrs Williams, of this town, presiding nt t .the harmonium. On the terrninat'ion of the the Rev. E. A. Scott briefly introduced the Archdeacon, who, in adlressing those present, said he was highly gratified at the accounts he h>«d heard of the members of his church at Callaghans, and he was pleased to Bee such a large attendance of all classes and denominations there to welcome him that evening. He might -say feelingly and truthfully that when he crossed the range on his visit here, he felt as if he were coming home, as no matter what part of Westland he visited he always felt himself amongst his friends. iTie Venerable Archdeacon then gave a short though highly amusing address on the duties of manand wife and the thousand and one things that go,far t 6 make "no place like home." He explained that although nob blessed with a partner in life, at the same time, as a clergyman, his duties took him into sd many homes that he had a large scope for gaining experience in these matter*. The Archdeacon finished his address by promising that should God spare him he would visit them again next year. He then sat down amidst most hearty and well testified applause. Several capital songs and authems were then, rendered by vocalists respectively from. KLumara, Stafford, and Callaghans-, and after a most enjoyable evening, the entertainment terminated about half-past ten o'clock, the various visitors returning to town thoroughly satisfied with, in a uumber of cases, their first visit td Callaghan's Gully and the hospitality of its inhabitants.