PLEASANT POINT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 205, 29 November 1879, Page 2

PLEASANT POINT.

TEA-MEETING AND CONCERT.

A most harmonious meeting of the settlers in the Pleasant Point district took place on Thursday evening last, in connection with St. Alban’s Church The tea was on the table at five p.in. The following ladies kindly, and in a most liberal manner, provided a most sumptuous tea, the tables being loaded : —Mosdames Henri, Acton, Orton, Rogers, Kelly, Halstead, Corlett, Mee, and the Misses Mee. The bachelors also provided a loaded table Indeed, it is only truth to say provision had been made for as many more. Punctually at the hour advertised, the tables were taken possession of by a most hearty company, who did ample justice to the viands provided. The Rev Mr Clinton, incumbent of the parish, presided. There cornel not havo been less than 180 persons present, several visitors from Temuka being noticed. The tea over, a pleasant promenade followed, and many had a look round the township, to have a view of the beautiful scenery, and a look at the neat English Church, which is now finished, and service held «very Sunday by the Pev Mr Clinton, Mr Howell and others acting as layreaders.

The concert being advertised for eight o’clock, vehicles and horsemen made iheir appearance from all parts, and by the time .the hour was up the la*ge hall was crowded by a most respectable assemblage. The Rev. Mr Clinton was voted to the chair, and in his opening address read a letter of ..pology from Archdeacon Harper, who expressed his regret that it was impossible for him to attend the meeting. The Chairman then called upon Miss Campbell, from Temuka, to open the concert.

Miss Campbell then kindly opened with a well-executed solo op the piano showing good taste and touch. Miss Campbell was followed by a duet, “ Alls Well,” by Messrs McDonald and Bishop. These gentlemen gave a very good rendering of this beautiful song, which was encored but not responded to. Mr Clinch gave a comic song which called forth loud applause. Mrs Gumming gave a Scotch song, and was in better voice than wo have ever heard her. It was rendered in a most touching and pathetic manner, and in reply to a continued call for it a second time, she sang, in her usual good style “ Robin Adair," ably accompanied on the piano by Miss Campbell.

Mr Henri then gave “The Gauntlet,” accompanied on the piano by Mrs Henri. This gentleman is new to us as a singer at our pleasant gatherings, but we need only say a loud encore testified to the good effect it had upon the audience. In reply to a continued demand for a rehearing, Mr Henri sang the Marsaillaise. This was followed by a song from Miss Campbell—“ Kathleen Mavourneen ” with great feeling, the audience being held spell bound. The close of this lady’s performance was followed by such a simultaneous outburst of applause, that a response was inevitable. The Chairman here intimated that Mr Acton would address the meeting. Mr Act'n, on rising, stated that he wished to make a few remarks about St. Alban’s Church, how the proposal was set on foot, what it cost, and how the money was got. He said they were under great obligations to their fellow-worshippers, the Presbyterians, who kindly gave them the use of their church for Sunday services, when they had not a church of their own. Such acts of charity and mercy should not be forgotten. Not only had they lent a helping hand in building the church, but the success of the evening’s entertainment was due, to a great extent, to the kind co-operation of our Presbyterian and other friends. He w< uld now make a statement respecting the cost of the church, etc. The church cost altogether L 557 14s. Of this sura L 265 18s 8d was contributed by the district, LIOO coming from the church property trustees, and LIOO from the bishop of the diocese. The balance was collected in England, less L 25, yet to come in for glebe rent. When this is received, the church will bo free of debt, and a balance of LI 3s 2d to their credit. He did not think there were many who could say they had built a church and paid for it in so short a time. Not many built a house and paid for it all by the time it was finished. Mr Acton stated that the object in view in getting up the present meeting was to procure funds for lighting the church, and colouring the walls. He felt sure the hearty response this call had met with by one and all would now give them funds sufficient for that purpose. Mr Acton’s speech met with hearty applause. After a song from Mr McDonald, The Chairman intimated that there would be an interval of ten minutes. After the interval, Mrs Henri on the piano, and Mr Morris, accompanying her on the violin treated the audience to some excellent music, then Mr McDonald gave a song. Mr and Mrs Henri gave the Gipsy Countess, which was well rendered. Mrs Gumming and Miss Campbell sang a duet, and were rapturously applauded, an encore not being responded to. Mr Bishop gave a very amusing recitation, which elicited roars of laughter. Mr Clinch again made his appearance. He sang in a good style, and hud to respond to an encore. Mr Clinch never did better than on this occasion.

Mr and Mrs Henri sang “ Peace to thy Spirit” extremely well, showing good taste and considerable practice. An encore was demanded, but not responded to, Tlie Chairman now called upon the Rev Mr Alexander, the Point Presbyterian Minister, to propose a vote of thanks to the ladies.

Mr Alexander, who is a young Minister, tried to got oft’, but an outburst from the meeting, pressing him to mount’the platform, was not to be resisted. The Rev. gentleman made a short but humorous speech, which was met with roars of laughter. The kindly welcome which Mr Alexander received showed the happy position that he holds amongst all classes of the people. His sympathy with the bachelor class, however, did not go down well with the ladies, who, very justly, can see no room for sympathy for any man being in single misery as they think ir. The Reverend Mr Alexander also proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr Clinton, who had come so far and so ably discharged the arduous duties of Chairman. Thus ended the most successful and largest attended concert yet held at Pleasant point. Every one went away well pleased,® the only drawback being the

crowded state of the room, many not being able to obtain standing room. The heat was intense, and we must say the architect who planned this place of public amusement, could have had but little knowledge of its requirements. There was no provision for ventilation and, had the meeting taken place on a cold winter night, the after exposure would have led to serious consequences to many. A little attention to this matter would be wise on the part of the proprietorr The roof is lofty, and the space good. All that is wanted is a little fresh air, and all would be right. The amount realised at the tea and concert amounted to over £2O.