Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4038, 7 December 1881, Page 2

Anniversary Soiree.

The 13th anniversary soiree of the Shortland Wesleyan Sunday School was held last evening in the r schoolroom, Willoughby street. There was a good attendance at the tea-cables, which were well supplied with good things, and presided orer by the ladies in connection with the school. After tea a. public meeting was held, the Rev. W. J. Watkin in the Chair. The proceedings commenced with a hymn, after which the Rev. T. L Davies engaged in prayer. Tbe Chairman, in his opening remarks, dwelt on the goodness of God to His children, and said they had reason to rejoice for the good that bad been done during the past year in the Sunday School. The Word of God was given them to read and study, but he regretted that Christians did not pay so much attention to this as they should. Many of them were too anxious about worldly matters, but though they had not done 10 much in the past as they might hare

done, he hoped they would do better in the future. He then addressed the more juvenile part of his audience, and exhorted them to do their duty to their parents. Mr Lawry then read the 13th annual report, which set forth that there were 140 girls, and 135 boys on the books, and an average attendance of 76 in the morning, and 238 in the afternoon. The young men's class numbered 12, and the young women's 13, while the staff of teachers comprised 16 male and 8 female. In addition to these there were five office, bearers, namely, a Superintendent, Mr W. Ashby; Secretary, Mr J. A. Miller, and three Librarians. The Library contained 473 books, and was well read. The schoolroom had been lined and fitted with gas during the year at a cost of £63 which had been fully met. The balance sheet was as,follows :—Keceipic: To balance from lust statement, £7 16s 6d; net proceeds last anniversary,*£Bo 17s lld ; subscriptions towards lining, etc., £13 3s 6d ; collections at re opening services (two Sunday a) £12 5s 6d ; gross receipts at entertainment, £13 19s; net proceeds of excursion in Nov., £25 3s 6d ; sundry receipts, £4 4s.—Total receipts, £1079511 d. KxpeDdituro: By last year's festival, £12 19s 6d ; periodicals and school requisites, £15 8s 4d ; advertising and printing, various entertainments, £3 13s; cost of lining and gas fitting, £63 5s 9d ; sundries, £2 18s 6d.—Total expenditure, £98 5s 2d.—Balance in hand, £9 4s 9d. '

Mr Eenshaw proposed the adoption of the report and balance sheet, and in doipg^, so congratulated *them on the' success which had attended their, efforts, both financially and spiritually, and also on the way the money had been laid out. He encouraged Sunday school teachers to go . on in their good work, and taktf frosh courage from the results of the past year. He spoke for some time on the importance of Sunday School instruction^ and the good it was doing-.

Mr Harris said he had much pleasure in seconding the adoption of the report. He gave a very interesting speech on the devouring and destructive nature ot sin, and the necessity of stamping it out. He likened it to a fire, at which all—men, women, and children—worked to get the flames under, and so Christians could, and should, in regard to sin. He was thankfal that God had not left them without means for this work—He had given them the Bible, which was all-powerful. He spoke at some length on this subject, exhorting all Christians to work, especially^ the mothers of families. ',

After another hymn, the Chairman apologised for the absence of the Revs. Laishley and H. H. Lawry, and excused the Bey. T. L. Davies from.Speaking. - The Rev. T. :W. Adamson g»ve a good speech on the subject " Will oar boys and girls turn out successful;"' He said this depended a good deal on the parent*. Boys and girls should honour their parents and obey them' implicitly: They should also be sincere, and persevering in good works. Parents should be careful to set their children a good example, and should back up the efforts of Sunday School teachers.. ' ". ..." ' ' " After Mr Ashby had given a short address, .Mr Nodder moved a rote of thanks to those who had helped to,, make the affair a success, and this was* carried. The meeting was then' brought toja close by .the singing of a hymn,>aod the pronoancingw the Benediction. '