WAIORONGOMAI BAND OF HOPE AND BLUE RIBBON ARMY. Meeting at Quartzville. (Communicated).

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 50, 17 May 1884, Page 7

WAIORONGOMAI BAND OF HOPE AND BLUE RIBBON ARMY. Meeting at Quartzville. (Communicated).

A detachment, nnmbering about 40, from the Blue Ribbon Army of Waiorongomai paid a visit to Quartzville, a central point light up in the midst of mines, «omo 4 miles " uphill," on Friday night, May 9th. On arrival the pirty met orl.er fiiends from Waiorongomai, and were most heartily received an I welcomed by .ill fh? miners, and wended their way to the place where the meeting was to be held, viz., a building fie pioperty of Mr H. Sotithey, who kindly placed it at the tli«po^al of the parity. Upon entering it wa<s a most agreeable surprise to see t'.e place so well arranged, a good lire burning j.nd t.ible spread for tea, which was kindly prepared by Mr Houthey and oth-r miners. After the usual greetings, tea, cake, biscuits, bread and butter, etc., were handed round in great abundance, and proved most acceptable after the long walk. After tea the meeting opened with a hymn and prayer, Mr W. H. Hawkins occupied the chair. The following programme wn3 most creditably gone through : — Readings by Mr Lovell, " Reasons for total abstinence," and " An awful night, or a miner's yarn." both really good ; recitations (2 each) by Messrs Purdie and Hawkins were excellent ; Mr H. Soppett, recitation, "The Flea Powder;" Mr Gordon (miner) rendered in gran I style " Charge of the Light Brigade ;" Miss Rose Nenl, Mary Hill, and A. Joy, each gave recitations well rendered ; Mr Trude's recitation was well delivered, and caused much amusement ; songs from Mr England and Mr Gordon elicited nni.'h applause. The meeting closed in the usual manner at 9 p m. ; throughout it was of a most or lerly character, about 130 were present, and a good number outside. All worked hard for recruits by asking the miners to join, about 15 signed and had the " bit of jßlne" duly pinned on. Mr Lovell (secretary) in a few remarks thanked Mr Sonthey, the miners, and ofclfar friends who had so kindly assisted in the meeting. Mr I] n whins followed by returning thnnks find speaking highly of tie kindness of the miners, and the pleasant manner, in w.iiuii • t icy Jiad treuied the visitors. Bjfore starting

homewards tea and other refreshments were again handed round, after wtiicu Mr Trude, on behalf of the mineis, came forward and thanked the friends for kindly coming and entertaining them. Mr Lovell then called for three cheers for Mr Southey and the miners, which was enthusiastically given ; three more lor the Ban J of Hope by the miners, , one for the tea, etu., one for the lauievS, clc, and the march home began. Two and two down tue track on a moonlight niyhtwas a pleasant si^iit. The ii.ib was safely ivjicned ab 10.30. Tuus ended one of happiest excursions in Furtherance of the temperance cause that has ever taken place in the district.