SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5005, 9 April 1877, Page 3

SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

The Wellington Literary Associatlbn held its opening meeting after the summer recess on March 13. There was a good attendance, the business consisting of the election ef officers and preparing the programme for the ensuing quarter. The following officers were elected ; —President, Rev. James Patersdn ; Vice-Pre-sidents, the Rev. J. Ogg and Messrs. Parmer and Scott; Committee, Messrs. Bishop, Gardner, Hullett, Murray, and Renner. Mr. Hopkirk was appointed secretary, Mr. McDonald treasurer, and Mr, R. Renner librarian. The society have purchased a large number of standard works, and will no doubt sopn be in a position to increase the size of the library. The Star Hotel was formally opened on 16th March, the occasion being celsbixited by a sumptuous banquet, to which a large number of the proprietor’s friends were invited. About 80 gentlemen wese present, Mr. O’Shea occupying the chair. The usual loyal toasts having been honored, the chairman proposed the health of the popular host, Mr. Joseph Ames, who responded in suitable terms. Other toasts appropriate to the occasion were proposed and responded to, among them being the health of Mr. Charles Moody, the owner of the building. The Star Hotel is one of the finest in the city of Wellington, possessing every accommodation for boarders and all the requirements of a first-class hotel.

The opening of Mr. Urwin’s new hotel, the Theatre Hotel, was celebrated on March 21st by a grand champagne lunch, to which over 100 gentlemen sat down, Mr. Beauchamp, of Beauchamp, Campbell, and Co., occupying the chair. The toasts proposed were “ The Queen,” “ His Excellency the Governor,” and “Our Host.” Mr. Beauchamp proposed the latter, referring to the grandeur of the hotel, and complimenting the proprietor on the pluck and enterprise he had displayed in the undertaking. Mr. IJrwin responded in suitable terms, after which the guests bore witness in the usual manner to his being “ a jolly good fellow.” It is needless to say that the really splendid spread was done ample justice to, and the company enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The annual soiree in connection, with St. Andrew’s Church took place on March 20. The tea was served in the Odd Bellows’ Hall by Mr. P. Laing, who as usual gave the greatest satisfaction. 4- large number sat down to tea, and the good things provided were disposed of. After tea a large congregation assembled in St. Andrew’s Church, the pastor, the llev. C. S. Ogg, occupying the chair. Proceedings were commenced by the Rev; Mr. Redstone engaging in prayer, after which the chairman expressed regret that the soiree this year had somewhat clashed with the annual gathering of the Congregationlists, but that it could not very well have been avoided, as this was the only night upon which the Odd Bellows’ Hall could be secured, and it was necessary to secure the hall because there was not convenience on the church premises for bolding a tea. After a few humorous remarks on the benefits of tea meetings, the rev. gentlemen addressed the meeting on the subject of sermons. The choir then sang the canticle “O Be Joyful in the Lord.” His Worship the Mayor next addressed the meeting on the necessity of fostering and encouraging family affection as one of the best bases on which to build up the progress and prosperity of a country. After an anthem by the choir, the Rev. Mr. Redstone spoke of the potentiality of Christianity in the present age. The Rev. J. Paterson next addressed the meeting, and was followed by the Revs. Messrs. Moir and Reid. After the usual votes of thanks had been passed, the meeting separated. A pleasant reunion of the employes of Messrs. Pollock and Young took place in the Odd Fellows’ Hall on March 30th. About forty gentlemen sat down to an excellent spread provided by Mr. Grey, confectioner, Lambton-quay, who gave general satisfaction. Mr. Beauchamp made a very excellent chairman. After the good cheer provided had been done justice to, and the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been drunk, the toast of the evening, viz., “Messrs. Pollock and Young,” was proposed, and in doing so the chairman referred to these two gentlemen in the most eulogistic terms. He said that they had come to this city only a few years ago, and by indomitable pluck, zeal, and upright and honest conduct had made themselves felt, and had so pushed their way on that they had established for themselves a business at once deep-rooted, extensive, and lucrative; and now that they were about to leave he hoped that they would be as successful in their new sphere as they had been here. Messrs. Pollock and Young returned thanks in suitable terms, and stated that their success in Wellington was made simply by attending to the wants of their customers, and by dealing fairly with everyone. Handsome engrossed addresses were then presented to each of these gentlemen by the chairman, on behalf of their employes, by whom they were signed, setting forth the kind and fair manner in which they had been always treated by their employers. Other toasts also followed, including the “ Health of the General Assembly," the “ Shipping Interests of Wellington,” the “ Mercantile and Banking Interests,” “ Messrs, Pollock and Young's Employes.” Some other minor toasts were drunk and responded to, and at a lato hour a very enjoyable evening was brought to a close.