PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 56, 25 February 1908, Page 3

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

BELL BLOCK. (From Our Own Correspondent). On Thursday evening a valedictory social was held in the hall, on the occasion of the Rev. Mr. Latter leaving the district. The chair was occupied by Mr. Rice, and a programme submitted! to ) the assembled parishioners,, which, did credit to the Block, and which was heartily appreciated by those present. Notwithstanding-,, the various concerts which were given in the surrounding villages on that evening, a goodly number was present, not attracted only by the treat promised by the programme, but also and principally by their wish to say good-bye to their clergyman. The Misses Sahvay played a duet very nicely. Mr. and Mrs. McAlluni contributed songs, which were much appreciated, as was also a song by Mrs. Hoby. Mr. 0. lleslop recited splendidly one of Allan L. Gordon's poems, and then the Ecv. Evans gave a lecture on his trip through Egypt and the Holy Land, illustrated by' pictures. The Rev. gentleman had succeeded in carrying his audience up the Nile till they were opposite the Moslem Mosque, when, whether the prophet, objected to their entering his temple or the rev. gentleman did not wish to go any farther, I don't know, but anyway the light went out, and for sonic time the audience were left in the darkness of a heathen land. The lecturer, however, nothing dismayed, had the hall lights turned up, and treated us to a ride over the desert on imaginary camels and so on to the Holy Land. He had often l>ecn told, he said, to ''go to

.Icrii'liui'' and lie vent. The lecture was very instructive and very entortaiiiiiijr. iimi lint- for the accident t„ the Nile would lie well worth wiine; miles to hour and see. -Mr. i--v«>'» !'•'- l'i-"»''«'<l <" i-onii! again to show us the pii-tnriw, ami 1 |iromi* liiin » lmni|>or hous> whenever lie comes. The chairman thanked

.Mr. Evans for his kindness in coming so far and /or the excellent lecture, lie also thanked the other |>orforniers and all those who helped that evening lfe said the meeting was held for the pnr- I pose of saying good-bye to their csteemed clergyman, Mr. Latter, and that they all regretted losing him. who had worked amongst them for two years and had done his work so well. lie had never in any way neglected his duties, and had nut his whole soul into his work. It would 1»- long before hi- memory would die out in' Bell Block. Mrs. Uttor too. was a grand lady and a splendid ' wife for a clergyman. The chairman ! presented Mr. Latter with a travelling | rug as a parting gift from his parishioiiI ers in the district, and hoped he would iiml it serviceable- Mr. Evans made a short speech after the presentation, culo- , gising Mr. Latter as a man and a clcrgyl man. He .-said ii anything had to lie | done by Mr. Latter, they could depend I on its'being done, and well done. Mr. Latter thanked the people for the gift, and also for the sympalhy which had always been shown him by them. He exhorted the parents present to send children to the Sunday School. .Ik- was sorry to leave, bill did so because his health had not been good for some time, and hoped a change of climate would benefit him. Kefreslmicnls. provided by the ladies, were handed round, and the meeting ended by the singing of the hymn, "God be with you till we meet again." On Friday evening a meeting was held in the nail to form a tennis club. Mr. Rice presided, and from thirty to forty intending members were present. The following officers were elected: -I'ivsi- , dent, J. 11. Street, Ksq.: vice president-. 11. Pole. Lsq., F.Sahvay, Ksq., and It. lVppcrcll, Ksq.; secrctarv, <!. Ilcskip, : .lfcq.: lici-urcii. J. Itntberford. Ivii.; I committee. .Messrs Kim:. Old, Kilpatrick. S. Bundle. \V. Andrews, Mesdames 1 Street and Andrews. .Mr. .1. 11. Street | 'HlDrcet, Sampson and King, and Misses

offered the eluli the ground for the court, | a ground which had already been used for the purpose, and which was very centrally situated. This offer was received with hearty thanks to tin- donor. About holy ladies ami gentlcm, ■„ promised lo join. TI K . amount 0 i t | K , annual subscription was fixed, and other matters connected with the club w.'rc left to the committee to conduct. A I vote of thanks to the chairman coucluicd the meeting.