RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Issue 599, 3 December 1866, Page 2

RIVERTON.

(FROM bUll COERESPOKDEWr.) Church ot England Tea Paktt.— On Tuesday, the 27th inst., a social gathering of the members of the Church of England in and about Riverton was held in the Odd Fellows Hall, when a large number of parishioners and other friends sat down to a very elegant tea. The spacious Hall, kindly lent for the occasion, was decorated with great taste, and the provisions most abundant. Nearly 250, of all ages, were present. After tea the incumbent, the Rev. "W. Z. Oldham, took the chair, and announced the plan of the evening's campaign, which, was at once entered upon, and carried through with spirit, and without a single hitch to the end. A series of anthems and choral pieces was sung by the pupils of Mr T. A. H. Pay, the very efficient and indefatigable choir-master of the church, who also instructs a class of children and adults on the tonic sol fa system. The whole were given in a style that astonished much, and delighted, all, who were present. On the conclusion of • the fourth piece, Mr Oldham addressed the assemblage and stated the object of the meeting — namely, to bring together the members of the Church for a social evening, and to talk over many subjects connected with the Church which could not be so well-entered into elsewhere. He then gave a rapid sketch of the history of the Church of England from the earliest centuries, through the Reformation period, to her extension throughout the world at the present day ; her position in the colony, and the duties of churchmen. Mr H. Armstrong M.P.C. followed, and pointed out the necessity for a little selfdenial and zeal on the part of churchmen. The musical programme then proceeded, and after an interval the audience was addressed by several gentlemen. Mr Surman spoke of the rise and present position of the Church of England in Riverton. Mr Instone gave a sketch of her financial position, which was not so satisfactory as he would wish, but congratulated the parishioners that the worst times he hoped were past, and that subscribers to the funds would increase in numbers and regularity of payment. He announced a bazaar for the beginning of the year, to complete and improve the Church. Mr Austin expressed the thanks of the parishioners to the Churchwardens, and in particular to Mr A. Clulee, the ci-devant Treasurer, to whose energy the Church had been so greatly indebted. The musical programme then continued, and afterwards Mr C. R. Marten, who also presided at the harmonium most of the evening, sang some solos which were warmly appreciated, and encored. He also addressed the meeting, speaking in eulogistic terms of the land and Church ot* his fathers, and highly complimenting Mr Pay upon the results of his exertions. Mr C. D. Irvine being observed in the room, was then called forward to the platform, and delivered an excellent speech upon the subject of the evening. The musical programme having been finished, a parting hymn was sung in four parts, and the company dispersed. The gathering was charactised by great warmth of feeling, and proved a decided success.