Public Social.

Manawatu Herald, 24 November 1904, Page 2

Public Social.

WELCOME TO BRO. FOX. Bro. Fox has installed himself a warm favourite with all classes of the community since his arrival amongst us, and this fact manifested itself last night by the large crowd who attended the public welcome to the much-travelled evangelist at the Public Hall. The affair took the form of a social evening, and right royally it was so. Cards, quoits, etc., were indulged in by the jovial crowd present, and all went merry as the wedding bell till the gathering dispersed Just before eleven o’clock. Everybody went home in a good humour, having much enjoyed the good feeling which existed. Refreshments were provided on a lavish scale, and needless to say, the many good things were greatly appreciated. At a suitable interval, the Rev. H. F. Wilson mounted the platform and extended a hearty welcome to the guest of the evening. He outlined the work of the Parish he was attached to. and paid a special compliment to those lay-readers and others who had helped him in time of need by administering the teachings of the Gospel. Particularly did he praise those gentlemen who were always willing to come at a moment’s notice from Levin and Shannon. The financial position of the Parish was slightly referred to, and after thanking the All Saints vestrymen for working in harmony so much with himself, the Rev. Wilson concluded by hoping the path of Bro. Fox would be made as smooth as possible in the evangelist work he was undertaking. He then called upon their guest to address those present, Bro. Fox, who was greeted with prolonged applause, said it gave him great pleasure to recognise they had given him such a hearty welcome that evening. He touched on several questions laid down in Scripture, but particularly interested himself in the young people. He spoke of instituting a working mens club in the town—a place where the youthful members of the community could meet and discuss matters of general social and spiritual benefit, and also where the mind and body could be exercised. At present, it was not uncommon to see large clusters of our young men congregated at street corners at times when their energy could be put to better use. The human mind must be employed, and his idea was that to make people understand Christianity, was to teach them in a social manner. He meant to move in the matter. The humanity of Foxton wanted enlivening. The girls could be got together and formed into a vocal society and glee club, and he looked forward with pleasure to the time when the Foxton Public Hall would be filled with members of all denominations enacting the good social and spiritual work laid down by Scripture. It gave him distinct pleasure to notice amongst those present every form of denomination practising in Foxton. This form of sociability was what they wanted. After earning laughter from his audience by amusing anecdotes he concluded by thanking all heartily for the splendid welcome he had been tendered. During the evening, vocal and instrumental items were rendered, which considerably added to thenarmony of the evening, viz.: Cornet and euphonium duet, Messrs Olsen and Betty; “ Killarney ” was left to the capable powers of Mrs Currie ; “ Bid me to Love ” was rendered in pleasing sty'e by Miss Mackay; “ Little Boy in Blue,” by Mr Archie Harper demanded an encore, “ Whisper and I Shall Hear ” being equally well given ; for his singing of “ In Happy Moments,” Mr Barber had to respond with an encore number; Misses M. Barnard and A. Jenks played a pianoforte duet in accomplished fashion, which earned the plaudits of their audience. The accompanists were Miss Furrie, Mrs J. Symons, and Mr Lawley.