ST. SAIVOUR’S CHURCH, TEMUKA

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2753, 19 January 1882, Page 2

ST. SAIVOUR’S CHURCH, TEMUKA

The annual gathering in connection with this church was held in the Volunteer Hall lust evening. The hall was very neatly decorated vith evergreens and flowers and it seemed to the eye when inside that there was nothing wanting on the part of the ladies who gave the tables, or the gentlemen who volunteered to assist, to make the gathering a complete success. Notwithstanding *he threatening look of the weather, the attendance was very large, upwards of 350 persons being present. The tea was on the table at six o’clock, andjwhen the good things had been dealt with the hall was cleared for the concert. The Rev. Chaffers Welsh occupied the chair.' The concert commenced about 8.15 p.m., the hall being crowded to excess. The performance commenced with an overture “ Zulieka,” by the Temuka Brass Band, under the bandmaster, Mr Stratton. The keeping of time of this band was excellent, and the overture received rounds of applause from the audience. The Rev, J. Chaffers Walsh then addressed the assemblage. He said it gave him great pleasure to see so many present belonging to other churches ; to these he gave a hearty welcome. He was glad to see the Rev, Mr * Gordon was present, but he must apologise for the absence of the Rev MrFee, on important church business in Christchurch, and for Mrs Taylor and Mr Lcishman, who intended to take part in the concert but were stopped by the stormy weather. The Choir then sang, under the leadership of Mr Rutland, “ Behold bow good and joyful,” which was capitally rendered, Mr Pjlbrow next sung “ He wipes away a tear," which was very well rendered. Mrs Edmonds next sang “ I cannot mind my wheel, mother,” and being loudly encored, responded by singing “Katie’s letter,” The next item on the programme was a duet, “ Plow gently Neva,” by Messrs Rutland and Bell, both gentlemen doing full justice to it. The choir then sang “The Hardy Norseman” very well, after which Mrs Steward sang “Incite gloaming." Next came a fantasia (piano and cornet) by Mrs Cox, who also accompanied the vocalists daring the evening, and Mr Stevenson, which was the gem of the evening. The next on the programme was “ Man the Lifeboat,” sung by Mr Edmonds, (conductor of the Presbyterian Choir) who did full justice to it, and responded to an encore by singing the “Village Blacksmith." After an interval of five minutes, the Band opened the second part with a selection, after which the Rev. Mr Gordon came forward and complimented them On the success of the entertainment. The concert was in every way a success, and he: wished the same success to continue. The Rev. Mr Welsh and himself had the kindliest feeling towards each other, and be was sure they would always be found marching shoulder to shoulder in the service of Christ., The rev. gentleman wound up an excellent speech by expressing bis great pleasure at being present. Mrs Stephens then sang “ The Captive Greek ” with good spirit. Mr Clinch then sang “ There’s nothing like pride about me,” and was rewarded by being loudly applauded, be then sang as an encore “ Smoking a Cigar.” Mrs Heap sang “ I shouldn’t like to tell" in a sweet and pleasant manner, and was loudly applauded. The next item on the programme was a.song* by Dr Campbell, “ The wearing of the green,” to which he did full justice. Mr Rutland gave “ The trumpet shall sound,” from “.The Messiah,” with trumpet obligato by Mr Stratton, with good effect. Mr G. Cox then proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies who had supplied the tea, which was carried by acclamation. Mr Welsh followed with a neat speech, after which the concert wound up by ; singing: the National Anthem. After the room had been cleared a dance commenced, which was kept up till the early hours of the morning.