Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3984, 5 October 1881, Page 2

Anniversary Soiree.

There was a rery large attendance at the soiree last ereningNip flelebrate, the 12th anniversary /of . the Grahamstown. Wesleyan Sunday School, Which was hefd in the achoxflroohi, adjoining tho Church/ a Second sitting being required'^, to accommodate all present. The tables were presided ovei' by the young ladies in coanec(,ion with the school. After justice had^beeu done to the well spread tables, the assemblage adjourned to the Church, where a public meeting was held. At the public meeting the Rev W. J. Watkiu occupied the chair, several ministers of other churches being present. A hymn having been sung by tie elder scholars of the school, supported by the teachers, Mr Watkin engaged in prayer, which was followed by another hytnu, rendered ia good stylft.

Mr Watkin said he was now called upon to give the chairman's remarks. Me delivered, as usual on such occasions, a very humorous address, and caused much merriment. He showed how ifc was necessary to fortify children's minds, aud also to protect them, which he illustrated in a very homely manner. He would now call upon the secretary, Mr G. A. Buttle, to read the annual report.

Mr Buttle, before reading the report, said he had only been appointed to the office of secretary since last Sunday, and therefore had not had time to look into the affairs of the school. He would therefore read his predecessor's report, Mr T. A.. Mitchell, who had been unexpectedly called away from the district. The report showed the average attendance of scholars and teachers to have been as follows :—Teachers: Morning, 5; afternoon, 21. Scholars : Morning, 49 ; afternoon, 175. The adult classes, under the tuition of Mr Harris and Mrs Eichards, continue to be well attended. The state of the finances was as follows :— lleceipts: Balance last year, £1 10a Id; receipts last anniversary, £52 18s 2d; sale of books, &c, £17 18s 7d ; raised for festival, £20 4s lid.—Total, £92 11s 9d.—Expeuditure: Outstanding liabilities last year, £112s; liabilities on festival fund, £2 11s 3d ; anniversary' expenses, £22 lls 7d ; furniture, £3 9s 6d; S. S. Union (books, &c), £27 Is 108 ;: for festival purposes, £16 19s 10d.—Total, £83 13s, leaving a balance ,in hand of £8 18* 9d. The anniversary collections and the soiree that evening had resulted somewhat as follows: —Collected at door, £5 9s 6d; tickets taken at door, £10 ss; trays, £15; collections on Sunday, £14 12s 10d.—Total, £45 78 4d. Mr Buttle, in referring to the large proportion of the scholars who availed themselves of the' library, said it was a very gratifying result, and showed a desire for instruction on the part of the children.

Hymn—"Let us work for God." A ▼cry pretty piece, and well rendered.

Mr Watkin regretted the inability of the Rev. Mr Isitt to remain for the soiree. lie was sure had he been there that evening they would have had a very instructive'address. He apologised for the absence of the Rev. Mr Davies (who was suffering from sore throat), and also for that of the Rev. Mr Adamson. ■

Hymn—'

•" God of Eternity

The Rev. Mr Laishley then addressed the meeting. He congratulated them upon the success of their anniversary, and the large attendance there that evening. The secretary's report showed a very prosperous state of affairs, and he hoped they, would go on and prosper. He delivered a very instructive and interesting address.

■Hym,ttj~-" We'll wait till Jesus comes."

The Rev. Mr Pinfold next addressed the meeting, and said he had been called upon unexpectedly to address them. He had only arrived from Ohinemuri that morning and had not anticipated being called upon to speak. He took a great interest in Sunday School work, and referred to his endeavours in the direction of starting Sunday Schools in the upper country, and the success which had accompanied his efforts. He said the < teachers of the Grahamstown Wesleyan Sunday School had much to be thankful for. He referred to his experience of Sunday Schools in Manchester, and gave a good deal of sound instruction to the teachers.

' Mr Buttle was called upon to propose votes of thanks to the Rev Mr Isitt, for having come from Auckland) to deliver tae anniversary services ;_ to the various ministers for their attendance that evening; the ladies, whose services were indispensible; and to the choir. Mr Buttle,' in referring to the latter, Said special mention was due to Mr Henry Meachem for the time and attention he had given to instruct the scholars in the hymns. He regretted to state that they were about to lose his services, as they had been of great value to both Sunday School and Church.

.' Mr Harris seconded the various votes of thanks, and spoke at some length. Mr Watkin, in putting the votes to the meeting, referred to the services rendered by Mr H. Meachem as organist, and regretted to hear of his likelihood of leaving the district. He wished him success wherever he went.

. : The votes were then carried by acclamation, and a pleasant evening terminated with the singing of the Dosology.