ARAPOHUE.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 175, 9 December 1892, Page 3

ARAPOHUE.

[from our cwn correspondent]. The chief event of interest to record this week is the anniversary ®f the Chapel, which as usual was commemorated by a tea and concert. There were not very many present at the former, but for the after part the Chapel was filled to overflowing, many having to stand in the porch. Mr M. Harding occupied the chair; and in his address congratulated us on having the best finished building on the river, and also that we were an example to other branches in being free from debt ; but it appears that there is still some £lO due which he hoped the proceeds of the day would wipe out. I was quite charmed on going upon the rostrum which was fairly embowered in lovely bouquets of flowers. The following was the programme : —Chairman’s address, Mr M. Harding ; selection by Choir ; reading, Mr G. Rogers ; song, ‘ Old Arm Chair,’ Mr J. Buchanan; duet. Misses Smith and Dreadon ; recitation, Katie Berridge; selection, Tokatoka fiiends; song, ‘Nazareth,’ Mr H. Buchanan; flute solo, Mr Gelston ; song, ‘ Song That Reached My Heart,’ Miss Simpkin ; recitation, Mr T. Clark; song, ‘ln Happy Moments,’ Mr J. Simpkin; duet, ‘Life’s Journey,’ Misses Simpkin and M Smith; recitation, Mr Joiner; song, ‘Warrior Bold,’ Mr J. Buchanan; chorus, ‘Sweet Chiming Bells,’ Girls ; song, ‘ Calvary,’ Mr H. Buchanan ; recitation, ‘ Miss F. Berridge; Song, ‘ I Fear No Foe,’ Mr. H. Buchanan; selection, Choir. I think Miss' Mitchell deserves the first mention for the success of the concert; her excellent rendering of the accompaniments materially assisting those who sang The piano was hardly suitable. Mr H. Buchanan was in excellent voice, but his articulation is not sufficiently clear to follow the words. Mr J. Buchanan, though not possessed of so good a voice, gives his words more distinctly. It is very evident that the Chapel is a centre of improvement and benefit to the district. Although I do not agree with much of the doctrines taught there, I am always desirous of giving credit where it is due. Dancing may be beneficial in moderation but it is not elevating. Ido not wish to see people divided. Time will and must tell who is right and who wrong. There are those who take an interest in religion and those who take none. Although I feel tLere is a great deal of narrow mindedness among religious people, still an eminent authority has said ‘ that any religion is better than none.’ However, the matter may be summed up in this—that it is not what you profess but what you perform, will stand to your credit. Twe young men, Messrs Mason and Higgot, from town, arrived last week and intend giving the district a trial in the shoemaking. I trust they may be successful. A good bootmaker has bean a long felt want iu this part. Mr E. Coates came over last week with thirty-two head of store and fat stock for Mr H. Harding. Cattle in some places cannot be had for love or money. Mr M. Harding has begun shearing; four shearers coming from Waikato to do the work at 17s fid per 100. Sheep are in much better condition than last season. The Romney Marsh are proving themselves a good sheep. Mr F. Bradley has as fine lambs as could be desired. The great point is to procure the best rams pure bred if possible. Mr Coates fears the price of wool will be low, as one buyer alone lost £2OOO on last season’s purchase. Mr Green has secured another order for a Bpring wagon and has gone to town to procure the necessary fittings. Nothing seems to be doing as yet to give us the telephone. We must stir up our members. I hear the new steamer is not to be put on and probably it will be for the best, as there is not room for two; we have now a fairly good service, and travelling no ft is not a thing to be dreaded as formerly.