CHINESE SOCIAL.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 26 May 1919, Page 3

CHINESE SOCIAL.

A NOVEL GATHERING. A social, of a unique and interesting nature, was given at Brights’ Theatre on Friday evening, when the wellknown firm of Chinese, trading as Truelight and Company, entertained a number of their friends, the object beiHg chiefly to celebrate the coming baptism of Mr Hai Yen and also his confirmation, and that of Mr James Wong, who was recently baptised. There was a happy gathering, and the proceedings went with a swing that did the management every credit. There was no waste of time, and the musical part of the programme, as well as the sports items, was put through in record time. In the abscnco of the Rev. G. F. Petrie, M.A., Mr Byron Brown (Chairman of the Otaki Town Board) presided, and after speaking of the teachings of Confucius and the steps the Chinese had made in religion during the past few years, he welcomed all present, and expressed a hope that one and all would have a most enjoyable time. A musical programme was then submitted, and- each and every item received much applause. Mrs H. O. Jones, in her usual finished manner, gave a pianoforte solo, Miss Evclync Jones sang/very sweetly, Mr Joe Guy gave a flute solo in good style, Miss Ethel Jones amused tho audience with a comic recitation, Mr Hai Yen delighted his hearers with a flute solo, Mr W. P- , A. Kershaw gave a clover gymnastic display, Mr Matthew Shum sang nicely in Chinese‘‘Nearer, My God, to Thee,” Miss Phyllis Jones pleased the audience with a “kazoo” solo, while Mr Byron Brown told a war story in good style. Great fun was aroused by the potato races, which were won by Mrs Jones, j Miss Ethel Jones, and Mr Ingram. All put up fast times and were warmly applauded for their performances. The I “blind man’s fight” between Messrs j Hai Yen and James Wong proved high- > ly amusing, while the “candle” games proved a novelty to, the Europeans present. The “basket trick” was also good, and those who attempted it found it not so easy as they anticipated, and consequently there was a eapsizo or two, which added hilarity to tho proceedings. Musical chairs also caused much fun, while supper proved a pleasing feature of the entertainment. Mr Law, Chinose missionary, addressed a fow words in Chinese, which, interpreted, wore to the effect that he j thanked the Europeans for all their I kindness to the Chinese, and hoped all J would spend a pleasant evening. J Mr T. A. King said he did not know how to express his thanks for all the kindnesses he bad received since taking up resideneo in Otaki. As the oldest Chinese resident ho wished to congratulate the new convert (Mr Hai Yon) to Christianity. Ho did not know much about the details of the Christian religion, but he had lived among a nation of Christian people for many years, and if ho were a good speaker ho would say many nice things about British Christians. He had always been treated by them as a friend, and many times had their friendship been proved. His life among them had been most happy, and he had enjoyed the liberty and* freedom that British Christian people gave to all races. His ancient religion had been good, but the Christian religion had been better, and he hoped the new convert would enjoy all the blessings of his adopted religion. (Applause.) i Mr jLaw took the opportunity of thanking all for being present, and especially Mr Brown for acting as chairman. He referred to the kindness of the Europeans, and. trusted God would give them His blessing. Tho proceedings were terminated by j the singing of the Doxology and the ] pronouncing of the Benediction by the J Rev. G. C. Blathwayt. ,

Among those present were Mrs Wong, the Chinese Mission, who is engaged in social work among the Chinese, Mr Law (missionary) and Airs Law, and Mr Matthew Sham, secretary of the Chinese Association.