BLUE SPUR. PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 270, 3 April 1873, Page 6

BLUE SPUR. PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE.

The social gathering of the Presbyterian Church took place on Tuesday, the Ist of April. Tea was laid in the church. The contractor for the viands was Mr. S. Wootton, of Lawrence, and they gave great satisfaction by their abundance and excellence. The day being fine drew together a large company of every creed and persuasion. The following ladies did the honors of the tables : — Mesdames French, Taylor, Peterson, Ledlie, and Walker ; Mademoiselles Osborne, Pope, M'Lelland, and M'Nab. The young gentlemen of the congregation very efficiently acted as waiters. After three removes, the tea and trimmings were disposed of, and a public meeting was then held. The Rev. Mr. Cameron occupied the chair, and w.as supported by the Revs. Menzies and Bull, Mr. Paul Ah Chin, and Mr. M'Lelland. The Chairmar, in his opening address, apologised for the absence of the Rev. Dr. Copland and the Rev. Mr. M7ra. He felt it, he said, a heavy disappointment ; but we should learn, under whatever circumstances we are placed, to do our best under these circumstances — not to despond, but to put the best face on everything and be more self-dependent, and take the most liberal view of men and things. Mr. John Cormack, the Treasurer of the church, read the financial statement, which showed a more prosperons state of things than on the previous year, although there was room for aintnclment. On the building fund the entire cost of the new church was £225, for which there had been subscribed £214, leaving a balance of £11. Mr. Cormack said he had a more pleasing duty to perform before he sat down. Only a day or two ago he had named it to a few friends that they should offer some recognition of the valuable services of Mr. M'Lelland, who had for severalyeara conducted the psalmody of the church, and had done so efficiently ; also iv many other ways he had helped on the good cause. Although the matter was only taken up two days previously, he was glad to have the pleasure of handing Mr. jil'Lelland a cheque for £10. Mr. M'Lelland, in replying, said that Mr. Cormack and the other kind friends who had acted with him had kept the matter a profound secret, He (Mr. M'Lelland) had -not even received an inkling of what their little game was. He could say, however, that he had given a voluntary assistance in the conducting of psalmody, at home and here, for a period of over 40 years, but until now he had not received one shilling for services so rendered. Verily, if we cast our bread upon the waters, we shall find it after many days. This, he had no doubt, would stimulate the choir, who had so .kindly come from Lawrence to honor the meeting with their services, and encourage them to hold on their way, foratsome time they would receive their reward. Mr. M'Lellaud thanked Mr. Cormack and his unknown friends for their handsome and timely present. He believed that such presents tended to sweeten the voice and to sustain and stimulate failing energy. The Chairman bore testimony of teh value of Mr. M'Lelland's services.

The Rev. Mr. Bull said he felt sure that Mr. M'Lelland had earned his ten

pounds. He was glad to see some ac j knowledgment of public services. He (th-^ speaker) said that he would take ff r his text from two words, " Contentment and grumbling." It was the prviliege of Britiana to grumble. If the "Tuaj>kea Times " had not grumbled, we should never have a bridge over the Molyneux, and he hoped thoy would grumble until a new post-office was erected in Lawrence. There were grumblers in tl • church and the family ; but woe to that church or that family where they were. • The Rev. sjentleman then drew an instructive picture of contentment, which was listened to with very great interest. Mr. Paul Ah Chin gave a very interesting account of his mission amongst his countrymen, the Chinese. The Rev. Mr. Menzies was good as usual. He spoke of having been so often and so long on the platform that he ought to be superannuated. He expected this evening, that in the matter of speeches, we would have been " taking tribute from strangers, and the children would have gone free." Mr. Menzies then gave a very interesting address on the respect due to one another for their opinions, especially when those opinions were not contrary to Scripture and sound doctrine, and concluded by a few remarks on individual thought and effort, as being the outcome of a sound mind, and necessary in these times for building up the Church of Christ. The choir sang some very fine pieces at intervals during the evening. Votes of thanks were proposed to the choir, by Mr. M'Lelland, seconded by Mr Ralston ; to the ladies, by Mr. Jamison, seconded by Mr. White ; to the speakers, by Mr. Stenhouse, seconded by Rlr. Cormack ; and to the Chairman by Mr. M'Lelland. The Rev. Mr. Bull pronounced the benediction.