BAND OF HOPE, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1599, 25 June 1887, Page 2

BAND OF HOPE, GERALDINE.

The Jubilee celebration in Geraldine having fallen through, thereby depriving the children of the township of the treat promised lo them at the celebration, Mr J. S. Waite, the energetio Superintendent of the Band of Hope, determined to substitute a gathering for the child* ren. Accordingly he mado a canvass of the town, and succeeded in obtaining a nice little sum of money, and also donations in the shape of provisions, toys, etc. The treat took place on Thursday last on the grounds adjoining the Good Templars' Hall. Quite a large number of persons volunteered to assist Mr Waite, and the children were kept thoroughly employed during the whole of the afternoon with races, wrestling, skipping, ring, and other amusements suitable to an outdoor gathering. About four o'clock a really excellent tea w»8 served. Such was the abundance of j provisions obtained, both by donation and by purchase, that the sptjctacle of boys being compelled by force of circumstances to refuse cake was to b» observed, "Willing hands carried rcund the good things, and every child was filled to repletion. A capital spread had also been prepared in the Good Templars' Hall for the adults at the nominal price of Is. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Dtinlop and Gore, and Miss Dean. Tho Good Templars' Hall being far too small to accommodate those expected to attend, the Oddfellows' Hall had beec engaged in which to hold the entertainment which followed the tea. Pull justice having been done to the tables an adjournment was made to the latter hill. By this time, however, the rain, which had kept off all the day, began to fall heavily, and no doubt told very much against the attendance. The building, however, was comfortably filled with old and young, and had it been a fine night would no doubt have been overcrowded. The songs, recitations, etc., which were given by the children were competitive, a large number of handsome prizes having been obtained for distribution. Messrs J. Aitken atid f. Sherratt Wfre appointed as judges, and the prizes were awarded in accordance with their decision. The children entered into the spirit of the thing heartily, and the inclemency of the weather outside had not the slightest effect in damping the ardour and enjoyment of both old and young within the building. The juvenile W.C. l\, Bro. H. Howard, occupied the chair. A long and varied programme was got through as follows :—Reading, Master George Bloomfield ; recitation. Master Harry Berry; song, Miss Ada Hoskins; recitation, Master Willie Maslin; recitation, Miss May Fisher; recitation, Master Harry Howard ; dialogue, Masters William Gore and Alex. Pinlayson; song, Miss DanJop, " Jessie's Dream" ; recitation, Master Walter Howard ; song, Miss Mary Coltman ; recitation, Maßter Seymour Willoughby; recitation, Master Edmond King ; trio, Misses Eina Sherratt, Mint Dunlop, and Emily Maslin ; duet, Miss Agnes Shaw and Master Herbert Shaw ; song, Miss Andrews, " Dreamland." The Rev. Mr Saddler was to have addressed the audience at this stage, but wis unfortunately absent through a slight indisposition. Mr Waite took his place, however, and then called upon the Rev. J. W. Dean to address those present. That gentleman did so in a speech that w>«s well calculated to arouse a greater enthusiasm in both old and young present in the great work of the temperance cause. He pointed out to the juveniles in a clear and forcible manner the purpose for which they were enrolled, and concluded a happy aud interesting address amid great applause. Quite a large supply of apples were then handed round, and fully appreciated. The second part of the programme was continued as follows :—Reading, Miss Emily Boughton ; duet, Misses Mary Coltman and Mina Dunlop ; recitation, Miss Ada Darlow ; recitation, Master Willie Morrison > recitation, Master George Bloomfield; recitation, Miss Susan Ash ; reading, Master Arthur Dean ; recitation, Miss Esther Pizzey ; recitation, Master Willie Maslin ; song, Miss Dunlop, " The Scotish Bluebells " ; recitation, Miss Agnes Shaw ; recitation, Master Willie Berry ; song, Miss Sarah Bowkett; recitation, E. Bowkett; quartette, Misses Edna Sherratt, Mina Dunlop, and Mary Coltman, and Master Willie Maslin, Mr Mabin also addressed the children in a thoughtful and interesting speech, which was loudly applauded. Mr Waite then came forward and thanked those who had so liberally subscribed both money, provisions, and toys, He also announced that as there was a large amount of provisious left a tea would be held in the Good Templars' flail the i following evening, The judges then handed in their decision, and the prices were awarded as follows; —Recitationß, Miss Ada Darlow 1, Master Seymour Willoughby 2, Master Willie Maslin 3. Singing, Misses Mary Coltman and Maggie Dunlop (duet) 1, Miss Mary Coltman 2, Misses Edna Sherratt, Mina Dunlop, and Emily Maslin (trio) 3, Master Willie Maslin (for alto in quartette) 4. The remainder of the performers who secured 70 marks out of a possible 100 were eaoh given a priae. Thus ended one of the most enjoyable entertainments given in Geraldine for a longtime. Miss An irews accompanied the singers in her usual efficient manner. The singing of the National Anthem was the signal for departure shortly ber fore 11 o'clock.