RAGLAN.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 418, 6 April 1899, Page 4

RAGLAN.

Congregational Mission.—The Congregational Union, with their lady friends, have been bu?y for the last few weeks preparing for the annual gift auction, which took place on Saturday, in the Public Hall. During the afternoon the various articles contributed were on view. At 6 p.m. a large company sat down to tea, which was, as usual, a sumptuous repast. The competing cricket teams, Raglan and Tuhikaramea, of the latter of which Mr F. W. Lang, M.H.K., is a member, were amongst the guests. The hall was tastily decorated for the occasion with ferns and Nikau palm. 4fter the tables were cleared, Mr T. B. Hill took the chair, and delivered a brief speech, after which the following programme was gone through :-Piano eolo, Mrs E. 0. Wallis ; song, " Englishman," Mr Rendell; song, «' Remember Me," Mrs Langridge. These contributions were all well-given and appreciated. The Rev. Mr Carr th?n proceeded to deliver his lecture on " Gladstone, His Life and Character," as a citizen, author, statesman and philanthropist. The lecture was interesting. It touched lengthily upon some of the characteristics of the great man. The lecturer concluded by reading Mr Stead's paper on "The Passing of Gladstone." After the lecture Mr Langley kindly officiated as auctioneer and disposed of, at very good prices, a choice collection of goods, artistic and useful. The latter included veaetibles, honey, pigs, fowls, etc. The bidding was brisk throughout.

Harvest Thanksgiving. Harvest thanksgiving services were held in the Congregational Church on Sunday. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion with ferus, flowers and fruits of the earth. This was the work of the Misses Bay, Johnstone, Middlemis, and Mrs Roffey, assisted by others. The Rev. Mr Carr preached an impressive sermon in the morning from the text Matthew VI., verse 33. In the afternoon Mr Tripg, District Secretary, Auckland, addressed the Sunday-school children. In the evening the Rev. Mr Carr preached another eloquent and appropriate 3ermon to a large congregation.

Concert. -On Easttr Monday a concert was given in aid of the funds for the erection of a public hall at Te Mata, the large and increasing population of that place not having any building capable of holding the large gatherings which assemble from time to time. There was an excellent attendance of visitors and residents. The following programme was gone through : piano duet, " Romance,'' Miss Taylor and Mr Warren ; song, "The Vampire," Mr Carl Schnackenberg"; song (with violin obligate) "Dream Voices," Miss Amy Taylor ; song, " The KerryDance," Miss Mariemme Taylor; recitation, "Ask Mamma," Miss Amy fay'or ; violin solo, "Valsc in G Minor,*' (Farmer) Miss Mar.iemmo Taylor; Boug, "Come into the Garden, Maud " Mr 8. Tatton Ast'ey ; song, "Sweet Harmony," Mr Warren; song, " The Deathless Army," Mr Carl Sehnackcnbcrg ; song, " The Worst Girl in School," Miss Mariemmc Taylor (in character) ; song, " The Anchor's Weighed," Mr S. Tatton Astley ; song, " Sammy, My Old Friend Sam," Mr Warren ; duet, " Love and War," Messrs Astley and Scbnackenberg ; recitation, " Jealous Jfeterkin Peep," Mi.-s Amy Taylor; solo, " Pro phundo Basso," in which the Misses Taylor and Messrs Astley and Schnackenberg took part. The singing of " God Save the Queen " concluded the best concert, ever given here—(Own Correspondent).