PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE AT TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 297, 4 June 1898, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE AT TE AWAMUTU.

The annual soiree in connection with the Waikato West Presbyterian Church (which*gathering was alao the welcoming of tiie new minister, the Rev. Walter Smith, late of Ngaruawahia) took place in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening Inst. Arrangements had been made for the induction service to take place in the church after the arrival of the 3.30 p.m. train, by which the Auckland ministers were to cine by. On the arrival of the train, no ministers were to be found, and word was received later on that tiny had taken the wrong train atFrankton Junction and gone on to Hamilton West, at which station they were informed of their mistake. However, as the livery stables were handy, a buggy was procured, which arrived in To Awamutu close on five o'clock. The induction tervicc was then held, being conducted by the Rev. J. M. Mitchell, of Hamilton, and the Rev. T. F. Robertson, of Auckland. Thete was a splendid congregation present. The service was opened with the singing of the one hundredth psalm, and after a short address by the Rev. J. M. Mitchell, the Rev. T. F. Robertson proceeded with the induction of the Rev. Walter Smith to the charge of the district, putting the usual questions according to the act of the J-'tee Church of Scotland, and the clasping of hands by the ministers After which Mr Robertson addressed the congregation, calling upon the people to give their minister all the help and encouragement in their power. He congratulated them on securing the services of such an able and man. He was not in favour of people advising too much. Put forth your hand and help and less criticism, and all will pull together. Speaking ot the spirit of generosity, lie said it was the duty of every Christian to be generous to the minister. After the service the congregation adjourned to the Town Hall, where the good things were waiting. At 6.30 p.m. the doors were opened to the public, and in a very short time the hall was packed. The table, were nicely arranged, the various districts —Ohaupo, Te Awamutu, Te Rore, Paterangi and Kihikihi—each having separate tables, which were presided over by Mesdames W. Martyn, A. Kay, J. H. Mandeno, W. Mandeno, M. Dinneen, Sturgess, I. Hodgson, and the Misses Martyn, Macky, Clarke, Mandeno, Hodgson, Sturgess, Germann, Kay, and others. The spread of refreshments was very plentiful, and the arrangements were perfect, which was manifestly a proof that all the districts worked well*together. The attendance was very large, every district being well represented, as well as members of almost every denomination being present. The Anglican minister (the Kev. J. L. A. Kayll) was also present. After full justice had been done to the good things provided, the tables were all whisked away and seats arranged for the remaining portion of the programme, which consisted of songs- and addresses by the visiting ministers and others. The stage was occupied by the clergy and the choir under the conductor, Mr Parkinson. The chair was taken by the Rev. T. F. Robertson, the programme opening with the singing of a Psalm, in which the audience joined. The Chairman, on rising to make his address, was received with loud applause. He thanked the audience for their kind welcome. He felt highly honoured on being asked to preside over the meeting. Owing to an accident to the Moderator, the Kev. Mr Scott, of Cambridge (who was thrown out of his buggy), he was unable to attend, and sent word expressing regret. The absence of the Rev. Mr Milne, of St. Andrew's, was owing to an engagement up north. The rev. gentleman next gave an account of his little experience in missing the train, or rather reading a nice book when he should have attended to the porters' warning, " Frank ton ! All change here." He next spoke at some length with regard to the induction of the new minister to the charge of the Waikato West District, and congratulated the people on securing such a fine looking, good young man. He lnd had the pleasure of meeting the Episcopolian miuister, and was sure that both'young men would get on together, but was sorry to find them both in the same lonely couditiou (applause), and hoped before long they would see a good wife in the manse, a miuister is only half a minister without a wife. He next referred to the good work done by both the Rev. and Mrs McDonald, the late minister in charge here. The Chairman here introduced to the people their new minister, whom he requested to occupy the chair for the remainder of the evening. The Rev. W. Smith give a short address, and in the course of his remarks said that he would like to have the hearty co-operation of his congregation, and understood that both Mr Kay, of Paterangi, and Mr Rees, of Te Awamutu, dii noble work in connection with the church. The rev gentleman's remarks were very attentively listened to. The Rev. J. M. Mitchell next favoured the gathering with a solo, after which the Rev. Mr Young, of Kopua, gave an address, congratulating the people on getting so excellent a minister with such scriptural ahil'ty. The R*v. J. M. Mitchell was next called on to address the audience, and in doing so kept them in roars of laughter with his Scottish anecdotes. He would very much like to see the people roily around their minister, and they would have no bother with the funds Ihe next item was a solo, entitled " Come Unto Me," sung by Miss Rees, who received much applause. Mr Kay was the next to address the meeting, stating that when the Rev. Mr McDonald first came to the district the number on the roll was 33, and when he left 111. They were in want of two more elders to the session. Mr Mitchell was again called upon for a solo, after which Mr Sturges, of Pukerimu, give a short address, and in con elusion moved a vote of thanks to the ladies for the bounteous provisions, and also to the chair and to the speakers. Pie was sure they would have, no bother with the funds, and people would nowall give liberally, as wh.at, potatoes, chaff, io fact all farm produce, was up in price. He had been in the habit of proposing a vote of thanks to.the minister's wife. (Applause). This time it can't be done, but he hoped to have the pleasure next time. The Rev. Mr Mit chell proposed a vote of thanks to the choir for the splendid music provided. The meeting c'osed with the benediction. (Own Correspondent).