ST. SAVIOUR'S CHURCH HARVEST HOME.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2183, 2 April 1891, Page 2

ST. SAVIOUR'S CHURCH HARVEST HOME.

The social gathering which followed the tea in connection with the Harvest Home instituted by the vestry of St. Saviour’s Church on Easter Monday last proved very pleasant. The seating was ample, but left no unoccupied benches, and this itself served to give the hall a comfortable appearance. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton made a brief introductory speech, and then asked Miss Herbert to contribute a musical selection as an overture. This was nicely played and received merited applause. A glee party, consisting of Mesdames Hayhurst and Harrison, the Misses Pilbrow (2), Woodfield, Sweet, Foster, Q-uy, Wills, Herbert, Bruce, and Phillips, and Messrs H. Robinson, E. Pilbrow, W. Smith, J. Harrison, J. McCaskill, R , Pinckney, and the Rev, T. A, Hamilton, with Mr W. UK Rutland as conductor, then sang the favorite glee “ All Among the Barley.” The acoustic properties of the Drill Shed are probably as bad as can be imagined, but in spite of this difficulty the singing went well, and the pleasurable anticipations of the audience were fully realised. At all events any defects could only be attributed to the building and not to the performers. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton and Mrs M, Langridge then sang “ Pulaski’s Banner ” in a manner to win general applause. Subsequently Mr Hamilton

and Mrs J. T. M. Kayhurst sang “ All’s Well,” a duet that seems always popular. Mr J. MeCaskill, who is invariably well received, and who was in excellent voice, sang “ The Battle of Stirling,” a martial song, which was giyen with good effect. The glee party contributed ” See the Chariot at Hand ” with vigor, and the

Misses H. Sweet and E. Woodfield the pleasing old song “ In the Days when we went Gipsying,” This went i very nicely, but owing to the causes above mentioned it was only barely audible to a portion of the audience, a matter to be regretted. It may be mentioned that in the intervals

between the songs a few dances were indulged in by the young folks, and this opportunity was taken advantage of by others to enjoy conversation, the renewing and making of acquaintances and so forth. The glee party’s services were fully appreciated when “ The Dawn of Day ” was sung, and an equal success was the madrigal “ May Day.” 'I heir other contributions were “ Sabbath Bells ” and " Hush Thee, My Babe,” both of which were enjoyable and reflected credit upon their conductor. It would be very pleasant if they would continue their practices and eventually form a club or society, ihe Rev. M r Hamilton gave that favorite ballad 11 Ever of Thee,” and gave a very good rendering of it. Probably the prettiest seng of the eyening was “ Auntie,” sung by Mias Cox, the only lady soloist. Mr Cox sang “ The Leather Bottel,” and Mr W. Q-. Rutland “ The Village Blacksmith,” a song to which he was able to do full justice. Before the programme was brought to a conclusion the Her. T. Jasper Smythe moved a very hearty vote of thanks to the singers, the ladies who had dispensed the tea, and all the workers who had contributed to the success of the Incumbent’s venture. In speaking to his motion he said that it must be eminently gratifying to the promoters to see so large a gathering. He understood that the population of the district o£ which Temuta was the centre, was some 4000- Certainly 400 adults were present there that evening, and ho considered this a very fair proportion indeed, especially as the total population included men, women, and children. It was the first time that such an experiment as a Harvest Home had been tried, but viewing its success he was sure it would not be the last. Mr Smythe then proceeded to point out the various causes for thankfulness and rejoicing, although it might be said that the harvest was a poor one, and concluded bis address with a few humourous remarks that elicited hearty laughter. His motion was carried by acclamation. The accompaniments were tastefully played bv Miss Wethey, and Messrs Heap (piano), and F. Colville (viola), played dance music. Among the many workers, besides those mentioned in our last issue, who were conspicuous for there energy were Messrs Geo, Smith (Main Road), and W# Armitage. Messrs Telvin and Taylor, Harrison, and McOaskill, and the Trustees Wesleyan Church rendered considerable assistance in lending crockery, tables, etc. The gathering taken all through was one of the most enjoyable ever held in Temuka.