GOOD TEMPLARY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2122, 8 November 1890, Page 3

GOOD TEMPLARY.

JUVENILE TEMPLARS, GERALDINE

A Service of Song entitled “ Nimble Nat ” was given in the Oddfellows Hall Geraldine, on Thursday evening last by the members of the Welcome Lodge of Juvenile Templars, GeralThe entertainment was given for the purpose of raising the necessary funds for giving the children a picnic on Monday next The attenda&ce was probably affocted by th© numerous gatherings held in the town during the past week, as the hall was only about three parts full, whereas a performance by children, usually secures a crowded bouse. The children, who were ranged upon the platform, looked very bright and animated. T hey had been taught the service by Mr C. B. Sherratl, to whom every credit is due for the excellence of the performance. Miss Andrews presided at the piano. The chair was occupied by Mr W. E. Barker, who said he thoroughly believed in getting the children to sign the pledge. Some people objected to it, but his experience and observation had convinced him firmly that children who signed the pledge early and were well grounded on the temperance question rarely took to drink. Before the Service of Song was rendered the children Bang, recited, and read a number of pieces as follow Chorus, “ The Templars are gathering from near and from, far”; recitation, “Tuscorora,” Angus Fyfe; reading, “ The boy’s last hymn,” Edna Sherrat: song, “ Only waiting,” Maggie Morrison; recitation, “The mischief maker,” Frank Sbiers; recitation, “Dare to do right,” Fred. Howard; gong, “ Little Footsteps,” Nellie Bowkett; recitation, “ Close the alehouse door,” Willie Fyfe; reading, “ Polly Steven’s temperance address,, Maggie Morrison; reading, “ Tommy s Prayer,” Emily Maslin. The connective' readings of the Service of Song were read by Mr W. S. Maslin. The story is that of a little street Arab in London, who, by his persistence, succeeds in getting a gentleman to allow him to carry his bag. In a short conversation the gentleman discovers that the lad is genuinely honest, and his downright integrity so wins upon his benefactor that he interests himself and obtains for the boy a situation. The boy is, however, so worried by his drunken and dissolute parents that an opening is got for him in Sydney, Australia, and he embarks upon an emigrant ship. The ship is burnt at sea, and the boy, who all along has shown himself a lad of real grit and sterling worth, perishes in the flames, having boldly denounced the cowardice of some of the men on board who were crowding the boats, to the exclusion of the womeu and children. ihe readings were admirably given, and many of the ladies present shed tears as they listened to the pathetic story of the little hero. The music of the piece was very-good. The gems of the evening were the trio “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” by Maggie Morrison, Nellie Bowkett, and Willie Maslin,.. and the duet, “ They are waiting,” by Maggie and Willie Morrison, both of which pieces were received with - , prolonged applause. -At the conclusion Mr R. Hammond, superintendent of the Temple, came forward and thanked those present for their attendance, and proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, also to Miss Andrews, Mr Sherrat, and Mr Maslin for the great assistance they had rendered the lodge. He was proud ot the position ha held. They had now 79 children upon the roll who were pledged agaijost drinking, smoking, and swearing* He would like to see every child in Geraldine join the lodge. (Applause). He took a deep interest in the temperance cause, and he Hoped that every parent would do his or her best to-help the lodge, and to strengthen the children in the principles it taught. (Applause). The meeting then terminated.

JDYBNILE.TEMPLE, TEMCEA. The above lodge met on Tuesday evening last at 7 o’clock, Bister Gunnell, oL Timaru, presiding. The following officers were duly installed by Sister Gunnell: —O. T., Sister Minnie Metson; Y.T., Sigtey M. A. Prattley j secretary, Bro. Cooper j 4J3., Sister S. Williams; E.S. t ßre Bowman; chaplain, Sister F. Barrett; marshall. Bro.F.Freddy; D.M., Sister L. Griffiths; E S., Bro. B. Smith ; L.S., Sister M.; Robinson; guard, Bro. Bateman; sentinel, Bro. T. Hooper. The installation over the lodge was opened to visitors. Eefreshtpents ■weye proyidejl and a good programme pf recitations, dialogues, &c., was gone ! through, The superintendent read the report for the last quarter, which showed that the average attendance through the quarter was 55 members, and the number on the roll now was 61, all of good standing. Sister Gunnel presented prises to Sister Barrett lor bringing the most new members during the quarter, also to Bro. Cooper for the best recitation. Bro, Barr, P.C.T., presented two books as prizes for good conduct to bister liatemau and Bro. F. Hooper, after which the Temple was closed in due form by Bro. G. Lynch, superintendent,