SOCIAL AND PRESENTATIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 11 February 1909, Page 2

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATIONS.

A very pleasant social gathering took place, under the auspices of the local Presbyterian Church, in the Masonic Hall, last evening. The primary object of the gathering was to mark the members’ and adherents’ appreciation of the services of Miss Furrie, who has officiated as organist for several years, and also to pay a tribute to Miss Blake tor her devoted work in the Sabbath school. Representatives of other churches were present. The Rev. Mr Ait ken presided. A much appreciated programme, arranged by Messrs Clarice and McCall, was submitted, which included items by two ladies and one gentleman who made their first appearance before a Foxtou audience, viz., Mrs Patterson, who was accorded a very hearty encore for her vocal item ; Mrs Stevenson, who gave evidence of elocutionary talent much above the ordinary amateur grade, and Mr Wiigley, who possesses a very nice voice. Miss Ava Symons contributed two violin soh s in her usual finished style ; Mr Alex. Rimmer was the other instrumentalist, who contributed a cornet solo. Songs were also contributed by Misses Barber and D. Signal, Mr Bullard, and recitations by the Rev. Mr Aitken and Mr Hornblow. An item, not included on the programme, was the braying of a donkey iu an adjoining paddock, which created a diversion.

Mr Aitkeu, before making the presentations, expressed pleasure at seeing such a happy gathering. He hoped, as the weather got cooler, to see more functions of a similar nature, in order to promote closer social relations between townspeople. He deplored the falling off at public worship and reminded those present of their duty in this respect. Church members may give liberally, but he would much rather have.their attendance at worship. He then paid a very high tribute to Miss Furrie’s self - sacrificing and devoted work as organist and asked her to accept a slight recognition of same from the members and adherents. He then handed to Miss Furrie a set of solid silverbacked brushes, comb, and mirror. He also referred to Miss Blake’s faithtul services in the Sabbath school and pleaded for volunteers to assist in this great work. He handed to Miss Blake a silver manicuring set. The gifts came as a genuine surprise to the recipients, and Mr Hornblow, on tUeir behalf, suitably acknowledged the gifts. Refreshments were then handed round, and a very pleasant gathering brought to a close. The accompaniments were played by Miss Jenks and Mrs Wrigley.