PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1099, 21 September 1912, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE

AT TIAKITAHUNA. On Wednesday evening last a most successful function in connection with the Tiakitahuna congregation of the Presbyterian Church was held in their local hall. It took the form of an oldtime soiree, and the sumptuously laden and prettily decorated tables, provided by the Tiakitahuna ladies, proved that they at least are the equals of the mothers so tamed in our boyhood days in that high art and lavish liberality in connection with the oldfashioned tea meetings. The tables were kept well filled, and full justice was done to the tasty provisions so bountifully supplied. A very large gathering assembled for the after-meeting, whicn was presided over by the Minister, the Rev J. M. Thomson, M.A., supported by the Rev Porter, of Marton, who gave a most vigorous and inspiring address, exhorting members of the congregation to encourage and help and cheer one another and their minister —to be “rays of sunshine” to dispel the darkness and gloom of this world. He spoke very powerfully also in controverting the uncalled-for and altogether unjustified and false statements that are sometimes foolishly made ‘‘that ministers do not believe what they preach,” and ‘‘that Christianity is a weakening force in the world.” The striking facts he adduced, and his own transparent earnestness and sincerity completely dispelled any credence that might have thoughtlessly been given to the above unwarranted statements. The Rev J. M. Thomson also gave a masterly lecturette on “Mrs Wiggs of the Cabbage-Patch,” bringing out very clearly and profitably the rich and practical philosophy ol the little book. During the evening, the large and efficient church choir, under the baton of Mr D. Rowlands, rendered two spirited anthems. Miss Doris McEwen, in her clear high soprano, gave a charming rendering of a tine setting of ‘‘Nearer My God to Thee.” Mrs Buchanan sang very sweetly the pathetic Scotch gem, ‘‘The Eand of the Deal.”

Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the ladies, the singers, and the speakers, and a most sociable, pleasant and highly successful function was brought to a close by the singing of the Doxology and the pronouncement of the Benediction.

The ladies in charge of the tables were Mesdames McCully, Buchanan, Neilsen, Rockel, and Misses Mathieson, Voss, and McEweu.