The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1880.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 156, 1 July 1880, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1880.

The Congregational Church was well filled on Tuesday evening on tbe occasion of the celebration of the Sunday Bchool anniversary, the chair being taken by Mr Smart. The fifth annual report was read by Mr Lock and showed that there was an increase of over thirty scholars this year, the average attendance being 96 in tbe morning and 155 in the afternoon, exclusive of Mr and Mrs Beckenham's Bible classes, and that twelve ladies and nine gentlemen gave their services as teachers. Mr Sinclair, the Treasurer, read the balance sheet which showed that besides all tbe expenses being covered, a sum of no less than £30 bad been contributed by the children towards the Missionary fund. The Revs R. Bavin, A. Hamilton, and J. Beckenham, and Messrs Worley, T. Field, Smart, and Loveday addressed the meeting, all urging the necessity for keeping up Sunday schools, relating the vast amount of good that had been effected by tbem, and expressing their thanks to those who took so much interest in them as to give their services as teachers. The children sang Beveral selection during the evening, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the ladies who had so kindly taken charge of the tea department. The "Froliques" gave another very successful entertainment last night to a good audience. There was a considerable alteration iv the programme from that of the previous evening, and the various items were greeted with hearty applause, Miss Lottie Elliott with her graceful skipping rope dances being mo.c enthusiastically received than ever. This evening the company, with an entirely new programme, will make their last appearance in Nelson, and judging from the favor with which they have already been received, they should make their final bow to a crowded house. The Early Closing Association is, we are glad to hear, making considerable progress, and the ends which it has in view are likely to be speedily attained, as it is meeting with a large share of public support, Of course, its success depends entirely upon the pur chasing portion of the community, and if it has their sympathies there is no occasion to fear failure. Mr John R. Mabin reports that afc his auction to-day of poultry ex Lady Barkly from Waitapu, turkeys brought from 3s 3d to 3s 9d each, and ducks 2s 9d each.