WESLEYAN SOIREE AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 285, 7 May 1898, Page 3

WESLEYAN SOIREE AT CAMBRIDGE.

On Wednesday evening the Wes'eyuns of Cambridge held a soiree in the Oddfellows' Hall, for the purpose of welcoming their new minister, the Rev. W. Canns.ll. At 6.30 a sumptuous tea was provided, over which the following ladies presided : Mesdamcsß. Reynolds J. Care, J. Taylor, C. Hunter, T. Nixon, W, Hollowny, and there was also a bachelor's table, where Mis A. Gane an 1 Mist- Garland officiated. We regret to state that tin; attendance was not at all such as was expected, there not being sufficient to quite fill the tables ; whereas it is generally the rule to have several relays before all arc rati lied We presume the circus has taken all the spare cash from the pockets ot those who generally attend such gatherings, an 1 on top of that came the special appeal made Sunday by Aichdeacon Wills, which must have denuded the Anglican congregation of superfluous caah, for we no iced there was only one p'esent whom we could recognise as belonging to that body. On the other hand, the Presbyterians showed up in force, indeed they were almost as numerous as the Wcsleyans, and Mr Cannell must have been gratified to find such good fellowship existing between the two churches. After the comestibles had been duly discussed, the tables wee cleared and the hall put in order for the concert that was to follow. The chair was occupied by Mr Gane, there also being upou the platform the Res. W. Evans, W. Cannell and Dr. Hoskimr. The proceedings opened with the singing of the old hundredth psalm, afier which the Rev. W. Evans offered up a short prayer. Mrs Cooke then gave * very pretty piano solo " Les Vendageurs," which was rendered in an excellent manner. The Chairman then very briefly introduced the Rev. W. Cannell, and calle i upon that gentlemau to addiess the meeting. Mr Cannell said he was somewhat surprised at being called upon at such an early stage of the proceedings, but he would do his best to make them understand what a minister in a new district required if he was to do any good. In the first place be wanted their prayers, and then he required their assistance in any and every form in which they could gncit. Above all he wanted them all to attend church. He did not want them to come to give ; of course the financial aspect was an important one, but he did not attach so much importance to it as man)' did, but he would like to have everyone present in order that they might have a good hearty service that would rouse them and be the means of bringing sinners to God. Mr Cannell titer, gave a resume of the 30 years he had been a Wesleyan Minister in the colony. When ho first landed in Auckland the tide flowed to the foot ot Shortland-street and there were several swampy places in Queenstreet. He said that was now so changed that he could hardly recognise it as the same place. He bore testimony to the great worth of the Wesleyan Ministers in the old days, and then gave an account of the Jubilee rejoicings, which he went Home to sec. He concluded by saying he trusted ere long to be personally acquainted with all of them, and he dicl not doubt but that they would get on well together. The Rev. W. Evans then spoke a few words of welcome on behalf ot the Presbyterians of Cambridge. He said he had always been on terms of goodfellowship with the Wesleyan clergymen who had come to Cambridge, and he had not the slightest doubt but that be and Mr Cannell would get ou eepially well. The Chairman then read a letter from the Rev. Thos. Scott, who was too unwell to attend the meeting, conveying his fraternal greetings to Mr Cannell. The programme was then proceeded wi'.h, as follows : Song, " Eternal Rest," Mr Meachem ; song, " Sunshine and Rain." Miss Neal ; trio, " r lhe ■Wreath," Mrs, Mis 9 and the Rev. Mr Cannell; song, "Flight of Ages," Miss Garland, encored and " The Gift " substituted ; song, " Dearie," Mrs Hunter ; violin duet, Misses Cannell and Nixon ; Dr. Hosking then gave rather a lengthy address ; Miss Neal followed with a eong, " Loves Old Sweet Song"; then Mr and Miss Cannell sang a duet, "Life's Dream Is O'er," and Mr Meachem sang " Queen of the Earth " in a manner that canseda re-demand to which he responded with "A Safe Return," which was also much applauded. Mr Butler then moved a vote of thanks to all who had in any way helped to get up the soiree and concert, which was seconded by the Chairman and carried by acclamation. The singing of the National Anthem closed the meeting.