Protestant Alliance Anniversary.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3040, 12 November 1878, Page 2

Protestant Alliance Anniversary.

The anniversary of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society, Prince of Wales Lodge, No. 20, was celebrated at St. George'B Hall last evening by a soiree, concert and dance. About 400 persons sat down to tea, and after the demolition of the good things provided the tables were cleared away, and Mr G. N. Phillips took the chair. Amongst the mem* bers of the other Friendly Societies present, we noticed Messrs Noonan, VicePresident Hibernian Society; Pearce, Foy and Schofield, C.tt.'s Foresters; Leydon, P.G. Oddfellows.

The choir sang the splendid song and chorus, " Kule Britannia."

The Chairman made a few opening remarks. He referred to the length of the programme, which prevented a long speech; also to the crowded state of the room, which should give them heart of grace to say that the Thames was not played out yet. He Bpoke of the auspicious- occasion on which they were met —the birthday of the Prince of Wales, whom he hoped would long retain his present title. He then spoke of the prosperous condition of the Society whose anniversary they were present to celebrate. He created much amusement by reading an extract from a west of England paper, showing the progress of education there.

Song: " Break, Break," Mr Bobinson. Received with applause.

The Eev. S. J. Neill said it afforded him much pleasure at being present, »a it was the first anniversary of this or any kindred association he bad ever been present at —either here or in the Home Country. This feeling of pleasure was increased by seeing so many present. Referring to the state of this Bociety he said that the lodge had increased £100 per year since the formation of the lodge, and last year had increased £130, and now had on hand £550. This was truly a friendly society as they had expended over £88 in relief to the sick last year. Miss Cleave then sang " Chatting at the door," t.nd being loudly encored, responded by singing "The Gipsy's life is a roving one."

Mr Williams, who made his first appearance before a Thames audience, sang " A Friarof Orders Gray." He possesses a splendid bass Toice and knows how to use it. The song was very well received, and the singer was obliged to repeat the last verse. Song: "Kemember or Forget/ Miss L Keven. Song: " Distant Climes," Mr S. Meachem. » Miss Hunter then delighted the audience with " Xillarney," and reeeiring a decided encore sang another very pretty song. The Rev. E. S. Bunn then addressed the audience. He congratulated them on their good financial position, and then delivered a highly amusing account of a recent visit to the Katikati Settlement.

Mr Pulleine, who was in good voice, sang " Nancy Lee." Messrs Meachem, May and Williams then sang a trio " A little farm well tilled," and were loudly applauded. Mr Phillips gave a reading from Mark Twain, which greatly amused the audience.

Glee: "The Huntsman's Chorus," by the choir.

Song: " When the ship comes home," by Miss £. J. Gribble, was rendered in that lady's usual excellent style. Mr Gribble aang " Defton Wood " in a manner that won the plaudits of the audience.

"Close th« Shutters, Willies dead"— Miss £. Keren. This was exceedingly well sung, and the sweet chorus, in which the choir assisted, greatly enhanced the success of its rendition.

Mrs John Gribble than sang " Home, sweet home," to the evident satisfaction of the audience.

Mr Schofield, C.E. of the Foresters, said he had been deputed by the representatives of the Friendly Societies to return thauks for them. He would not detain them any longer, as there was a long programme yet to be gone through. Miss Murrish then sang " Lore's Be* quest." Duet—" Baby Mine," Messrs Williams and May. A song, "The Gallants of England," by Mr McGregor, was rendered very successfully, and was well received. After a trio, " Shepherds, tell us," by Messrs Meachem, Williams and May, the choir and audience sang the National Anthem.

The room was then cleared for dancing, a large number remaining, and it was kept up with spirit till two o'clock this morning. '; . ,' V