WELCOME SOCIAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 376, 23 April 1908, Page 3

WELCOME SOCIAL.

— To the Rev. J. Mairs. A welcome social was tendered to the Rev. Mr Mairs last evening, by members and adherents of the Primitive Methodist Church. The schoolroom was more than comfortably filled, representatives being present from far and near. Mr Saunders, ot Moutoa, occupied the chair, and in his speech intimated the object of the gathering. An excellent programme was provided, the first item of which was a spirited selection by Mr Berthold’s high-class orchestra, which was loudly applauded, after which the Chairman called on the Rev. Mr Mairs to offer prayer. An anthem by the choir was much appreciated, it having made rapid strides since being under the able conductorship of Mr Mairs. Mrs Bath, of Palmerston North, rendered a solo, and was vociferously recalled. A duet by Misses E. and P. Symons (accompanied by Mrs J. Symons) had a very pleasing effect, and the little girls were compelled to give way to an undeniable encore, their second effort being rendered in as pleasing a manner as the first. Mr Moorman’s flute solo was well received, as was also a recitation by Master J. Mairs, Other contributors to the programme were : Mr Sherett, song, with Miss Cook as accompanist, and Mr A. Saunders, recitation, “It’s a braw Scotch Nicht.” The Rev. G. K. Aitken was then asked to address the assemblage, which he did, and it was apparent by his jocular phrases that that gentleman was in a very happy mood. He spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Mairs, congratulating the latter’s congregation in having secured such a true and earnest minister and friend. He referred to the Primitive Methodist “methods” and the Anglican’s “peculiarities,” and in conclusion stated that he and the Rev. Mairs, as ministers of the Foxtou Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, respectively, had mutually agreed to work hand in hand with one another. Mr Aitken’s witticisms brought down the house, and on resuming his seat he was favoured with a deafening encore, forcing him to again appear before the appreciative audience; the rev. gentleman was overwhelmed by the continued applause his speech had called forth, and referred to it as “ the greatest compliment he had ever been paid in his life,” responding with a brief but witty anecdote. At this juncture, Mrs Bath, who was in excellent voice, again sang a solo, and received a second encore. A humourous recitation by Master Jack Hornblow, entitled “ A Taugh in Church,” was very well received, after which the orchestra gave another selection in its usual well finished style. The Rev. J. Mairs briefly touched on his career as a minister of the Methodist Church, relating his varied experiences, which proved highly interesting and amusing ; he also spoke, in decidedly hopeful tones, of his work in Foxton and surrounding districts, and his hearers were of opinion that the Rev. Mr Mairs is the right man in the right place. The closing item of the evening was an anthem rendered by the choir, after which Mr Stiles moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the Chairman, Rev. G. Aitken, the ladies, and all who had in any way assisted to bring this enjoyable function to such a successful end. Refreshments were then handed round in abundance, and as there still remained a large number of untouched cakes, etc., a “Ductch ” auction sale was held, in order to dispose of same, and the proceedings concluded with the benediction, pronounced by the Rev. P. J. Mairs.