Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3677, 7 October 1880, Page 2

Anniversary Soiree.

The anniversary of the Thames Presbyterian Church was celebrated last evening by a" soiree, public meeting, and concert at the Volunteer Hall, Shortland.' A bountiful tea was provided by the ladies of the congregation, which was done ample justice to by between 300 and 4CO people.

The following ladies gave and presided over the tables:—Mrs JNeill, Mrs Muir, Mrs Clarke, Mesdames Moore and Eeid, Mesdames Brown and Smith, Mrs Mennie, Mis Frater, Mrs Thompson, Mrs W. Ferguson, Mesdames Hansen and Douglas, Mrs Symington—ll tables in all; while the following contributed largely towards defraying the general expenses of the soiree:—Mrs MoCaul, £1; Mrs J. H. Smith, £1 Is; Mrs Da vies, £1; Mrs Brodie, £1 10s; Mrs B. Farrcll, £1; Mrs Fisher, 10a; Mrs Farquhar, £1.

After the tables hai been cleared away, the Bey. S. J. Neill accepted the responsibilities of Chairman, and in an excellent speech appropriately inaugurated the proceedings. The choir: " This is God's holy day." The Bey. Mr Watkin delivered an address brimful of merriment, referring especially tb Athe beneficial results of such gatherings. A quartette by Messrs Robinson, Hunter, Torrens and Gibbs followed, and though there was a little discord at times, the rendition was fairly successful. This was succeeded by a solo by Miss M. A. Ferguson, "Oh rest in the Lord." .

. The Bey. Mr Adamson delivered an address on "The Model Man," giving the characteristics of such an individual. The speech was replete with anecdotes, and was highly interesting. Mr Adam Porter followed in a witty and appropriate speech, after which the choir sang "In Mercy Hear us," which brought the first part of the programme to a close.

The second portion, which was composed entirely of secular music, commenced With a chorus from Flotow's "Martha."

Mr J. Ibbetson sang " Fair as a rose," in which his fine ringing tenor roice was heard to advantage. Since we last heard this young gentleman sing a vast improve* ment has taken place, evidently the result of assiduous culture and pratice. After a duet by Mesdames Mennie arid Smith, and a recitation by Master Seid, Miss M. A. Ferguson sang " I'm a merry laughing girl." The duet by Messrs McLirer and Ibbetson, "The Pilot" was undoubtedly the gem of the evening the fine voices oT both singers blending most harmoniously. An encore was demanded. After another chorus, Mr Robinson sang " Here upon my Teasel's deck," rather an ambitious attempt, but nevertheless creditably rendered. Miss Clarke sang " Eileen Allanah " very well, this young lady's voice, though somewhat small, being sweet and well-modulatea. Mr McLiver ' earned well-merited plaudits for his finished rendition of the ban solo, "The Sexton," and had to repeat the last verse. After a trio by Mrs Mennie, with Misses Ferguson and Miller, Mr Gibbs sang, " The monks of old." A chorus having been rendered by the company, votes of thanks were accorded to the choir, the conductor (Mr E. A. E. Owen), the speakers, and to the ladies who had so kindly provided the tables. The singing of " God Save the Queen," brought to a close a highly successful reunion.