THE PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE AND CONCERT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1125, 12 January 1884, Page 3

THE PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE AND CONCERT.

Last Thursday evening the annual soiree and concert to commemorate the coming of the Rev D. Gordon to take charge of the Temuka Presbyterian Church took place in the Volunteer Hall. The hall was decorated by the ever-present bannerets, and festoons, etc., and on the wall, in largo letters, was the inevitable " Welcome." The soiree began shortly after six o'clock. The tables were presided over in a faultless manner by the following ladies : —Mrs Gordon, Mrs McUaskill, Miss Dunn, Misses McNair and Thomson, Misses Morton and McCal lum, Misses Russell and Smith, Mrs Darroch, Mrs W. Scith and Miss Paterson,MrsAckroyd, Mrs Hay. These ladies did their utmost to satisfy the numerous wants of their visitors, with the best results. The tables were nicely decorated with flowers. The caterer was Mr Darroch and the spread did him every credit. Some 300 must have "sat down and partaken of the good things set before them." About 8 o'clock the doors were opened for admittance to the concert, and in the course of a very few minutes the hall was filled, many, as in former years, having to stand. The proceedings were commenced by the Rev D. Gordon (who occupied the chair) giving »n address, in which he stated it was good to see so many present, and if through the past year they had had their reverses, they also had their successes, After a few remarks on the occasion which they were celebrating, and on church work generally, he humorously acknowledged the very strong support given him by his clerical brethren (only the Rev Mr Barclay was on the platform), and then referred in eulogistic terms to the programme placed before him. He then called on the choir to give the first piece on the programme, and in doing so spoke a few words appropriata to the piece. " fhe Hardy Norseman," part song, was then given by the choir, and duly applauded. Miss Marshall followed with " Cam' ye by Athol" very nicely indeed, lor which she was encored, bat did not respond. Mr Edmouds' "The Old Arm Chair," was most feelingly given and attentively listened to. "Thy Face," by Miss McNair, came next, and was most expressively sung, the audience being delighted. Master Fauvel gave some American airs on the cornet, accompanied by Mr J, Harrison on the piano. Mrs Rout next gave that exquisite piece of music " Angels, ever bnght and fair," doing, it as is her wont, full justice. The Rev. Mr Barclay wis next called on for an address, which he delivered in his happiest style. The last item on the first part of the programme was the recitation by Miss McCallum, " Edinboro' after Flodden," a recitation abounding in deep pathos. Few availed themselves of the brief interval of five minutes to leave the hall, being fearful of losing their seats. The second part of the entertainment commenced with the glee, by the choir, " Foresters sound." Mrs Rout's " The Bride of the Castle" elicited an encore—well deserved and she responded with a very pretty air, '• Wae's me for Prince Charlie," accompanying herself on the piano while singiug the latter piece. Miss Thomson gave " Down the Burn, Davie," for which she was encored. She responded with " The Blue Bells of Scotland," which delighted those present. Mr Edmonds sang that pathetic song " The Land o' the Leal." " The Rowan Tree," a song which called up among many of those present a lively recollection of the lmid of their birth, was given by Miss McNair, applause following as a matter of course. A trio by Mr, Mrs Master Edmonds came next, and was really a treat. The singing of Master Edmonds, a child of about nine years, was surprising, and the piece was encored but. not responded to. The choir followed with the glee " AH among the barley," in first-class style, it being decidedly the nicest of the three pieces given by them during the evening. The Chairman then called on Mr John Lawson to propose his favorite toast, 'Theladies'—who had so kindly ministered to thpir comforts during the evening—which he did in his inimitable ,vay. Mr Currie briefly seconded the proposal, which was carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks to " The Choir, and those who had kindly sang at the concert," was proposed by Mr Gray, that gentleman stating his belief that the musical talent of Temuka was second to none in the colony. The proposal was briefly seconded by Mr A. Rus,«ell and carried by acclamation, as was also one to Miss Slyth for the valuable services she had rendered towards making the concert a success by accompanying the singers on the piano, and to Master Fauvel and Mr J. Harrison. A. vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed by Mr Sinclair, and therev gentleman must have felt gratified at the recoption of the proposi-

tion, All present then rose an ' 'an;; " God Save the Queen" in a hearty spirit, and the proceedings terminated. On the whole the behaviour of the audience was very good, but at times their feelings got the better of some of the lads and a whistle would emanate from one of them. For this they wtre rebuked by the Chairman, who reminded them that that manner of expressing their feelings was not in keeping with the proceedings, being decidedly out of place, and the admonition had the desired effect. The audience appeared well sa'isfied with everything, and the management are to be congratulated at the lesultof their efforts to make the meeting a success.