WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Motueka Star, Volume I, Issue 36, 13 December 1901, Page 3

WESLEYAN CHURCH.

—o— In order to raise sufficient money to carry out some much needed improvements, the congregation [of ' the local Wesleyan Church, decided to organise a concert and Christmas tree. Preparations had been going on for some time past and the day fixed for the event had been eagerly looked forward to by the younger members of the congregation, especially those who attend the Sunday School. Wednesday’s weather was not favorable for out-door games, consequently the children, who had mustered in full force, did not enjoy themselves as bad been their custom in the past. The juveniles were treated to a very nice tea, laid out in the ante-room of the Institute, and presided over by Mesdames W. Boyce, M. Simpson, Parker, Hall, Misses Moffatt, Landsley, Delaney (2) and others, who nimbly satisfied the wants of our future (and sometimes present) rulers.

Shortly after eight o’clock the concert commenced, there being a very fair audience in the Hall. The proceedings were opened by a selection by the school children and was followed by the following items : Overture by Orchestral Society, From Dawn to Twilight; song. Because I love you, Miss Delaney ; Anthem by choir, Path of Life ; duet, Books of the Bible, Misses Goodman ; song, Queen of- the Ear th, Miss Leslie (accompanyist Mrs Symes); pianoforte solo, Miss F. Fry ; song, Come back to Erin. Mrs Batchelor (accompanist Mrs H. Rankin); pianoforte and cornet duet, Miss Delaney and Mr C. Avery ; song. The dear home land, Miss Crofts (accompanist Miss Fry); recitation, Miss Cora Boyce ; overture by Orchestral Society, The Prairie ; song. The little Hero, Mr Taylor (accompanist Miss Boyes); organ solo, Mrs Symes; song, The Little Mountain Lad, Miss Crofts (accompanist Miss Fry); Anthem by the c.hior, O Love the Lord ; selection by Orchestral Society. Taken altogether, the programme was well carried out, and most of the members weie applauded by those present, Miss Leslie, in response to repeated calls favoring the audience with another selection.

Just befoi-e the last item, the Rev Mr Wills took the opportunity of thanking those present. As they were aware the object of the concert and Christmas tree was to raise funds to improve their Church. They had been most generously helped by those who, though not members of his denomination, had by taking part in the entertainment, expressed their sympathy with the object in view and he desired to acknowledge their assistance. They were also indebted to the Orchestral Society, and to Dr Deck for the use of

the adjoining room. The ladies were, likewise, deserving of the highest praise for the time they have given to make ti e necessary preparations for the gathering. In conclusson he invited. the performers to partake of light refreshments which had been prepared in the ante-room.

The work ot dismantling the tree, which bad been set up in the middle of the hall, was then proceeded with. It presented a very attractive appearance, laden as it was with dolls, squeakers, flags, trumpets, etc., the sight of which, we feel sure, was of more concern to the children than the musical portion of the programme. Excitement amongst tne little ones ran high as the numbers were called out, and the articles handed to the lucky winners. The proceedings were brought to a close shortly after ten o’clock. The articles on the Christmas tree were procured by funds raised by the Society Guild. A number were donated, and Mr Wills desires to express his thanks for the same.