ANNIVERSARY GATHERING.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 26, 22 September 1894, Page 9

ANNIVERSARY GATHERING.

The seventeenth anniversary of the Tent was celebrated by a soirei and concert in the Temperance Hall on Thursday evening, and proved highly successful in every respect. The building was packed, and Mr J. Millar, who catered in admirable -lylc, had to supply the tables twice before tlu wants of all were satisfied. About eight p.m. the chair was taken by the C.R., Bro, J. Kissell, who was supported on the platform by the Rev. P. W. Jones, Bros. J. J. Wesnoy and C. W. Brown, and Messrs Young and Brown (representing the Foresters), and W. B. Scandrett and J. Ward (representing the St. George and Shamrock. Rose, and Thistle Lodges of Oddfellows, M.U.) The Chairman opened the proceedings in a short address, in the coin se of which he referred with pleasure to the fact that the temperance movement |had made a great advance of late years, ami that the Eechabites had progressed with it. The Rev. Mr Jones said he was glad to see so many young people present. It showed that Rechabitism had a splendid future before it. He made some interesting references to the Eechabites of the Old Testament, and then dealt with the history of the movement in modern times. Mr 0. W. Brown (secretary) furnished an interesting and satisfactory report concerning the Murihiku Tent, which now numbered 100 financial and eight honorary members. Details regarding the sick and funeral and other funds were also quoted, showing that they were all in a very satisfactory position. Reference was falso made to the fact that a juvenile branch was about to be started, and the speaker remarked that it was possible that before their next anniversary a Tent for women would also be established. Glancing at some aspects of temperance work, the speaker remarked that discussions on political matters were forbidden in their Tents. They were working under rules formulated about fifty years ago, when temperance was not regarded as within the region of practical

politics. |lt was now, however so intimately connected with legislation dealing with social reforms that he thought the rule might well be modified, and possibly the matter might bediscussed at the next district meeting. Mr J. J. Wesney delivered a short but vigorous address on the advantages offered b r the Order as a benefit society, and urged oneand all to join its ranks. The concert programme proved most enjoyable, there being something to suitevery taste. Some capital pieces were given, at intervals by a choir led by Mr J. P. Service. Miss Organ and Mr Lindsay contributed a duet with good effect, and later the lady ' charmed all by her sinying of “ Daddy.’” Miss Nicholas gave '• The Dear Home Land” with much sweetness and expression, and Mrs contributed a Scotch reading which had the double merit of being humourous and appropriate. A very youthful performer on the violin, Miss Butler, gave a solo in good style, and was enthusiastically applauded. Mr W. H. Mathieson sang “ The Vagabond ’* acceptably, and scored well with two recitations of widelyjdiiferent character—“ Pat in London ” and “ Trouble in Amen Corner ’’ —•, the second in response to an encore. Mr Ashton’s singing of “ Castles in the Air ” provoked a demand for another song, which was duly given, and the same gentleman, with Mr Hensley afterwards contributed a duet,, • “ The Pilot Brave,” which was well received. Mr J. P. Service and the choir did well in thesolo and chorus, Old Dr Bolus.” Mr E. Service, in addition to playing the accompaniments, sang “Out on the Deep.” Last, but by no means least, Mr Lillicrap delighted theaudience with a (ria.-ionette solo. On the motion of Mr Jan.iinc speakers and musicians were awarded a w>-ii-ieserved vote of thanks,, and a very enjoyable evening was closed with a verse of the National Anthem