PRESBYTERIAN BLUE RIBBON ASSOCIATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1184, 29 May 1884, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN BLUE RIBBON ASSOCIATION.

The following has been handed to us for publication by the Treasurer of the Blue Ribbon Association connected with the Presbyterian Church, Temuka, Mr A. Russell:—For some weeks prior to Monday last, the juvenile portion of the above Association were kept in ecstasies in anticipation of a holiday on the Queen's Birthday, and a tea in the Good Templars' Hall, followed by an entertainment at the Church at 7 p.m. It is an old proverb "which says that " there is more real pleasure in the expectation of a coming pleasure than in the actual possession of it." It was certainly the reverse in this instance, for I have never witnessed a more enjoyable tea and entertainment. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the Secretary, Mr Jno. Cooper for his efforts in connection with it. On his untiring energy the success of the proceedings depended. Having called on the heads of families for assistance to carry out this worthy object, I am pleased to state that his call was most cheerfully, and even lavishly, responded to, with money and viands. About 2.30 p.m. opposite the Templars' Hall, the boys and girls under the supervision of Messrs Wood, Cain, Brown, and Russell, had some good racing (and there were some very keen contests) for prizes, consisting of Temperance mottoes and device*, recitation books, periodicals, &c. Mrs Wood, with a few appropriate remarks, handed the coveted prizes to the breathless and panting winners of the feminine gender, and the Rev. D. Gordon the same with the boys. After the games a rush was made for the hall, where the tables actually groaned under the good things provided. The youngest of the children were regaled,and it was a pleasure to mark their thorough relish, their appetite being i whetted with their previous running. , Next came the elder portion of the youths and maidens, all ranged in their respective places according to their sexes ; and then came the adult portion of the meeting, and I was pleased to see the clergy of the various denominations present with their partners. Considerable enjoyment was experienced by all as the tea drinking went on, and an animated and intellectual conversation went on also, which now and then created the most innocent mirth. Truly tea drinking is a wonderful thing to make people happy. The ladies waiting at the tables were, Mrs Gordon and Mrs Russell, Miss Blyth, Miss B. Morton, Miss Elder, Miss McCullough, Miss Longson, and Miss Russell. The gentlemen were Messrs McCaskill, senr., Cain, Cooper and Smith. Volunteers were also most active and attentive. The Church was then entered into, where a raised platform was erected for the young, and the meeting opened by singing No. 10 of San key'* which was followed by prayer, At this stage of the proceedings the Church got actually crowded. Miss Blyth, with her usual hearty way of furthering the welfare of the young, presided at the harmonium. Ihe singers were Miss E, Morton, whose of voice was acknowledged by everyone ; Miss Marshall, *'ho fully confirmed all in their opinion regarding her sweet voice, Miss Blyth and Master Storey, who gave a duet with great grace, which was fully appreciated, as evinced by the prolonged applause which followed -(Miss Russell played tin accompaniment for this piece.) The last was a solo by Master Storey, which was well received. Exoellent recitations and ' dialogues were given by Masters McCasi kill, junr., Storey, Upton, Davis and Smith and others too numerous to meni tion. An able address waa also giveu by

Mr Stewart, and several took the pledge, and thus ended one of the most pleasant meetings ever held in Temnka, and one which, I trutt, will be remembered with profit in years to come.