SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4812, 24 August 1876, Page 3

SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

The usual quarterly meeting of the Britannia Lodge 1.0.0. F., was held at the hall on Monday, July 30. After the formal business of the meeting, P.P.G.M. T. McKenzie was elected to present testimonials to the Past N.G. (fourteen in number) of the Wellington lodge, and to those of the United Britannia (eighteen in number). The testimonials were presented in proper form, and received with lodge honors, suitable replies being made by the recipients. These are the largest number of emblems that have been given as a reward of merit since the . establishment of the order in Wellington in 1842. * The Artillery ball which took place at the Provincial Council Hall on the 14th passed off with that success which usually attends this annual gathering. His Excellency the Governor and the Marchioness of Normanby and suite, accompanied by Capt. Suttie and the other officers of the Nymphe, arrived shortly after 9 o’clock, and were received by Capt. Pearce, a guard of honor being formed by members of the corps. Dancing commenced immediately, and was kept up till a late hour this morning.' There were about a hundred couples present, and amongst the visitors were several members of Parliament and representatives from the Dunedin, Nelson, and Thames Yolnnteers.

Anniversary services in connection with the Congregational Church, at Courtenay-place, were held on August 6th. Mr. C. B. Button addressed the children of the Sabbath-school in the afternoon, and the Kev. H. B. Bedstone preached in the evening. The services were brought to a close last evening by a tea and public meeting. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather there were a large number present, who partook of the excellent tea provided by the ladies of the Woodwardstreet church. After the tea a public meeting was held (the Bev, Mr. West in the chair), when a report was read by Mr. Knowles which set forth the satisfactory progress that had been made during the past year. Addresses were delivered by the Kevs. Messrs. Moir and Ogg and Messrs. Woodward and Holdsworth.

A fancy dress ball was held at the Provincial Hall on August 21st. The ball was given by a number of ladies and gentlemen who had been present at the Vogel one. Thera were about 120 persons in the room, including Lady Vogel, and the whole affair passed off with great success. On the evening of the 16th a concert tor the laudable purpose of raising a fund wherewith to provide a treat for the children attending the local school, took place: in .Dr. Taylor’s commodious barn, kindly granted for the occasion, and for the nonce transformed into a floral hall by most tasteful and artistic decoration, the graceful nikau palm and beautiful fronds of the tree tern being conspicuous amidst an infinite variety of other greenery. The capabilities of the room were taxed to the utmost to accommodate a large and respectable audience. The local talent was augmented by the presence of several ladies and gentlemen from Wellington.: The first part of the entertainment commenced with a pianoforte solo, played with taste and expression by a Wellington lady. The glee “Hail Smiling Morn” (next item on the programme) was not_ very successful, want of practice being evident. However, any momentary disappointment was soon dispelled by the charming rendition of the duet “The Gipsy Countess.” Theprettyand popular song, “Silver Threads among the Gold,” next given, was decidedly the gem of the evening, the lady who sang it being gifted with a remarkably pure and flexible soprano. The song " Beautiful Nell,” the duet “Huntingtower,” and the serio-comic song “Shabby Genteel” followed, and each met with deserved applause. A humorous reading, “ The Queer Little Man who Laughed with his Nose,” was admirably delivered, delighting the audience. Then Dr. Taylor oharmed everyone by singing with taste and feeling the beautiful air “ Oft in the Stilly Night,” and in response to a rapturous encore gave the sweet old ballad “The Banks of Allan Water.” The songs “Autumn Fruits,” “I’m a Friar of Orders Grey,” and the glee “See Our Oars,” brought the first part of the entertainment to a successful conclusion. When, after the usual interval the Johnsonville Christy Minstrels made their first appearance on any stage. The introductory galop • was spiritedly played; the chorus “Happy Are We,” and the songs “ Ginger Blue,” “ A Horrible Tale,” “ Lily Dale” and V Belle of Tennessee,” followed, all meeting with full appreciation. The overture “La Euase,” and the songs “ Full Together Boys,” “ Hard Times,” “Hold

Your Horses,” and “Uncle Jefferson,” were J all most creditably rendered; while the interspersed drolleries of the corner-men and Mr. Johnson completely carried away the audience. The inevitable walk round and breakdown finished the programme, and the National Anthem being sung, the room was quickly cleared, and those who felt so disposed (and not a few were they) footed it lightly to the music of piano and violin until well into the small hours.