Presbyterian Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4010, 4 November 1881, Page 2

Presbyterian Soiree.

The anniversary soiree of the Presbyterian Church was held last evening.at the Volunteer Hall, Shoriland. There was a large attendance. A capital tea was pro-' nd?d, the tables beiog presided over by

the following ladies:—Mesdames ISTeill, Frater, Thomson, Brassey, Nicks, Douglas, Brodie, Mennie, Muir, Moore, W. D, Reid, the Misses M. A. Ferguson and M. Ferguson, and the Misses Irwin. When the tables had been cleared, the Rev. S. J. Neill opened the proceedings by an expression of regret at the absence of the Keys. R. Laishley and T. L. Davies in Auckland. At these annual soirees it was seldom in place for the Chairman to say much, because the Treasurer's and Secretary's statements are furnished to the congregational meeting in January, and next because the soiree is intended to be a gathering for the simple enjoyment of converse at the tea table and (or the pleasure of listening to the music fur nished by the clioir. He was very pleased to see present so many of their own people and of many others who had helped them. He (hen called upon the choir, who went through the following programme:— Chorus, " Men of Harleoh," ; piano duet, " Crown diamonds," Miss Clarke and Mr Owen; trio, "Distant chimes," Mrs Men nic and Misses Brown and Ferguson; song, " Friar of Orders Grey," Mr Gibbs; glee, "Dame Durden"; recitation, Master .Reid ; song, " Make believe," Miss Ferguson ; recitation, Mr Henderson ; trio, "Lightly treading." Miss and Mr Hunter and Mr Ferguson; song, "My love she is a kitten,". Mr McGregor; song and chorus, " England yet," Miss Clarke; solo (violin), Mr Hunter; duet, "The flower gatherers," Misses Hamilton and Ferguson ; local song, "The" Rink," Mr Wiseman ; chorus, " Our hearts are light." Nearly every piece was encored, and the greatest enthusiasm was shown by the audience.

During the evening the Rev. Mr Adamson made a speech in advocacy of more attention being paid by churches and business men to amusement.

On the conclusion of the programme, Mr A. Brodie proposed a hearty vote of thanks to those who had provided the tea, to the speakers, to the choir, and those who had helped. This was carried by applause, and the proceedings were brought to an end by siuging the National Anthem.

Mrs Brown was thanked for the tea urns used, and Mrs J. Clarke for the crockery necessary. Reference was also made to the large number of subscribers to the funds for the soiree.