CONCERT AT TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1199, 3 July 1884, Page 2

CONCERT AT TEMUKA.

On Tuesday evening last a number of the children attending the Presbyterian Sabbath School, Temuka, assisted by members of the choir of the church, gave an entertainment in the Volunteer Hall. The night was a very warm and pleasant one for the season of the year, and a very fair audience assembled—the front seats being crowded—to second the efforts cf the little ones in their endeavor to augment their prize fund, that being the object of the entertainment. Punctually at 8 o’clock the curtain rose, and the proceedings of the evening commenced. Mr John Wood, the Superintendent of the Sabbath School, occupied the chair, and in a few well chosen words explained the purpose of the gathering. He said that the programme, which consisted of songs, recitations and music, would take a considerable time to get through, so he would not detain them long with his remarks. Another reason for curtailing his own remarks was that the Hon. Mr Rolleston, who was present, would say a few words. They gave prizes every six months to their scholars, and it was for this object and for creating a Christian interest in the work that the entertainment was given. The Sunday School was a necessity now that the Bible was excluded from the State Schools. He thought that a great responsibility rested upon all of them in this matter, and the more they felt this responsibility the more they would help in the work. He fully believed in filling the young with Bible knowledge. Mr Wood then called on the children to commence the programme by singing the hymn, “ To us a Child.” In the course of the evening they sang “Free from the law,” “I need Thee,” “ Give me the wings,” “ The Bible,” “ Now the Saviour,” “Children of Jerusalem,” and “Who is He.” It is impossible too speak too highly of the way in which these pieces were rendered not a hitch occurred. “ Free from the law,” “I need Thee,” and “Children of Jerusalem,” were really a treat to listen to. Miss McOallura gave a recitation, “ The Irish Immigrant’s lament," and was heartily applauded. Miss E. Morton made her first appearance on the stage, and gave the solo, “Peace be still,” very nicely. She will doubtless improve in her singing as she gains more confidence. Miss Marshall, who -although as yet she has only sang three or four times in Temuka—has already become a favourite, gave “For you I am praying,” and she well deserved the applause which greeted ber at the conclusion of the song. The duet and chorus, “Angels are waiting,” by Miss M. Smith and thS Masters Smith, Marshall and Edmonds, though not perfect, was given very well indeed. “ Love, purity and fidelity,” a descriptive piece by the Misses Goodey, was given in a very taking manner, and the little ones were rewarded by applause at its conclusion. Mr, Mrs and Master Edmonds gave the trio, “Never forget the dear ones,” splendidly. Of Mr and Mrs Edmonds it is unnecessary to speak, but it may be said that the way Master Edmonds took his part was excellent. Miss G.Rowe gave the recitation, “ Curfew shall not ring to-night,”—a very touching piece—with due emphasis, and in a clear and distinct voice. The solo by Mrs Edmond’s, “Eve’slamentation,” was a treat. Master H. Smith made his first appearance, and sang “ Rest baby rest.” He gives promise of becoming a very good singer. Master W, Storey recited a piece describing “The soldier’s return from India," The part song, “Come,” by the Misses Morton, Thomson, Marshall, and Mrs Edmonds, and others, was perhaps the gem of the evening, the audience being thoroughly delighted, and they testified their appproval in unmistakeablo manner. In the course of the first part of the entertainment Mr Rolleston came forward and spoke a few words. He said that when he was asked to come there that evening there was a doubt expressed as to whether he would like to be present. He would say that there could be no question about that. He was, shortly, coming to live among them with his family, and it seemed to him only proper that he should be present. He might say that he was glad to be there, not only as a settler, but because the object of the entertainment was tbe promoting of Sanday schools in the district. It was well known to many present that he had taken a prominent part in promoting the existing system of State

education, and he had come to the conclusion that it was the best after much anxious consideration. Asa family man ha would be sorry that it should be thought of him that he was satisfied with the secular course. That was only one part of a child’s education. In develop* ing the religious instincts of the young they had the Sunday schools, where they had the Bible ; their homes, where the children were brought in prayer around their knees, and then they had- the church where on Sundays they all met on an equality before their Maker. The education they got in the State schools completed their equipment. It was a pleasure to him to express his sympathy with Sunday Schools. He was glad to be present because these gatherings had a great influence on them as colonists. He had been in the colony many years, and he thought one great thing they had to guard against was the tendency to isolation. These gatherings bad the effect of bringing people together, and counteracted that tendency. When be came to live with them it would be his chief aim to come among them—it would be his chief aim to, break thought this isolation. Mr H Kollestoa concluded.by testifying to tba excellence of the entertainment provided. The speaker was warmly applauded. Tht Rev Mr Gordon moved a vote of thanks to the speaker who had spoken so highly of their own and other Sunday schools. The words Were words of encourage* ment. After a few more remarks be said they thanked him very kindly for his presence that evening, and he hoped that when he came to settle among them they would often have the pleasure of hearing his voice. He trusted Mr Rolleiton would long be spared to be among them The rev. gentleman then spoke a few words in favor of Mr RolJeatoo’s Candida* ture. The vote waa carried by acclama* tien. Mr Rolleston briefly acknowledged the vote of thanks. At the conclusion of the concert, the Rev. Mr Gordon—who said he was always “trotted oat* to do the odd jobs—moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Edmonds, who had taken such an interest, and succeeded so well, in training the young. He said' there was nothing the children and their teachers bad put their hands to that evening in the way of songs and recita* tions, but wbat bad been a success. He waa sure that those absent that evening would regret it. He spoke oulogi* cally of the Chairman, who, he said, was well fitted for the position. He.pro* posed s hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr Edmonds, and the singers. Mr Edmonds briefly acknowledged the vote, and explained the great interest he took in Sunday Schools. He proposed a vote of thanks to Miss Blyth, their organist, and testified to the painstaking of that lady in her duties, and spoke very highly of her abilities. Thia vote and the others were carried by acclamation, the noise being truly deafening. Mr A, Russell then come forward and moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, testifying to bis worth. After this had been duly carried by the audience, Mr Wood briefly acknowledged it, and called on those present to stand up and join in singing “God save the Queen.” All present heartily responded, and thia concluded ft most enjoyable evening.