FIRST ANNUAL SOIRES.

Southland Times, Issue 1186, 22 December 1869, Page 2

FIRST ANNUAL SOIRES.

The first of what is intended, we believe, to be an annual soiree in connection with the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society, took place on Monday evening, 20th, in the Presbyterian Hall, Tay-street. The meeting was well attended, particularly so by young ladies, who mustered in great fores, and by their presence gave a charm to the occasion, which otherwise it might not have possessed. The Eev. A. EL Sfcobo, President of the Association, occupied the chair, and by the manner in which he performed the duties of that position, contributed not a little to the enjoyment of the evening. After a very excellent tea had been disposed of, the tables were cleared, and the intellectual part of the programme began by a very suitable address from the chairman, on the benefits to be derived from such Societies. Mr "W. Tait then read a well written paper on the subject of " Happiness," after which the choir, a small but efficient one, under the leadership of Mr Erskine, sang " See Our Oars" with fine effect, the accouatic properties of the Hall being remarkably good. An excellent reading by Mr A. B. Campbell, the Secretary, who, in a racy story, well read, under the heading of "My Account with her Majesty," at once placed the prominent advantages of the Post-Office Savings Bank system before his hearers, and kept them in high glee. The next on the list was a song by Mr A. Dean, " Old King Time," which went off well, after which Mr W. Pettigrew gave a most humorous address, principally personal reminiscences, entitled " Memos. of Minister's Men." If the frequent bursts of laughter and applause which greeted the speaker be a criterion, Mr Pettigrew must have handled his subject in a masterly manner, for such interruptions were of frequent occurrence. Another musical selection by the choir, " Never forget the Dear Ones," was very sweetly suug, and then a short cessation took place, to permit of the distribution and enjoyment of a service of fruit. Mr Burns then resumed the programme, and read one or two choice extracts from Professor Wilson's | " Noctes Ambrosianae," which was followed by the well-known duet " Juanita,' ' sunsj by two young ladies whose rich harmonious tones have frequently delighted Invercargill audiences. " Invercargill of the Past," an address by Mr W. Lockhart, followed, which, although tinged with too much political bias to be altogether appropriate for a social meeting, gave variety to the proceedings. A comical recitation by Mr "Waugh, " Cuddy Peggy," came next, and kept the listeners in continual merriment. " The Moon behind the Hills," a chorus, pleasantly occupied the next few minutes, after which came an address, put down in the programme as " The Eights of Woman." Mr M'Lean, the gentleman who had undertaken the task, seemed, however, to have thought better of it, and, instead of entering upon a subject so ticklish to deal with in the presence of a crowd of ladies, contrived to pass unqualified encomiums upon the entire fair sex by flattering allusion 3to heroines ancient and modern — from Eve to Florence Nightingale. A re.iding, " The Battle of Balaklava," by Mr Scandrefct, which came next in order, was listened to with much evident pleasure, after which Mr Porter, the Vice-President, delivered a short but eloquent address on " Mutual Improvement," which brought the programme to a close. A concluding verse by the choir, followed by the usual benediction, terminated what was very generally admitted to have been a most pleasaut evening's recreation. One novel feature in the arrangements should not pass without mention, as the hint it affords might be profitably adopted in other assemblies. ( In opening the proceedings, the chairman intimated that no speaker or reader was to occupy more than fifteen minutes, and that a bell at his elbow would call the prosy or long-winded to order. The effect of the intimation was that in only one or two instances did the speakers exceed the allotted time, and in those cases the clear note of the brazen monitor soon brought them to a termination. j

A sentence in the Language of Flowers — If you wish for " Heart's ease," never look to " Marry gold."