HUNTLY.

Waikato Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 2713, 10 October 1904, Page 2

HUNTLY.

Anniversary services in connection with the Huntly Methodist Church were held last Sunday, the preacher being the newly-appointed missionary, Mr A. Hislop. Both morning and evening diets of worships were well attended. The ordinary quarterly meeting was held in the Church on Wednesday evening. The superintendent of tho circuit, the Rev. A. J. Reed, of Hamilton, presided over the meeting which was fairly well attended. The reports from the various places worked by the missionaries were read, and passed as satisfactory. The income was sufficient to meet all expenses, and 1 1 leave a small credit balance to start next quarter with, The quarterly meeting finished, a very successful and enjoyable social took place, tho Rev. A. J. Reed presiding. Anthems by the choir led by Mr J. Fulton, songs and addresses constituted tho programme, during an interval in which refreshments’ were handed round. Sociability and friendliness characterised the proceedings throughout the evening. Next Sunday the Rev. A, J. Seamer, of Rotorua, will occupy the pulpit at both diets of worship.

A special meeting of the Vvaikato Coal Miners’ Union was held on Tuesday evening, the president, Mr 1\ illiam Leather, presiding over a large attendance. It was decided by a vote of 50 to 11 that the local union join with the New Zealand Federal Union of Miners to be formed shortly. This larger body will embrace miners of all kinds, and, when consummated, will be able to influence labour questions to some considerable extent.

In order to play their parts on Labour Day at Motutapu, the Waabi Native Club, under Mr A. K. I’e Aim, will leave Huntly for the city on Monday. At Tuakau they will be joined by the native band, where the number of performers will be increased to sixty. The natives look forward to their trip with pleasure, and anticipate a good time.

In aid of St. Anthony’s (Catholic) Church, the Rev. Dean Hackett, of Paeroa, delivered his scholarly and enjoyable lecture, “ Irish Wit and Humour,” in the Volunteer Hall on Friday evening, Mr J. P. Bailey, J.P., presiding over a fair audience. After differentiating between wit and humour, the lecturer illustrated his definition with apropos examples, and proceeded to explain the characteristics of the humour of different peoples and nations. The humour of Irish life was then typically exemplified, examples from the law courts, the Church, the Army, the Navy, the jaunting - car jarvies, and the peasantry being characteristically and realistically dealt with. The numerous anecdotes which were told in a dry, incisive, and naive fashion appealed to the audience, the constant ripple of laughter, which frequently rose to loud peals, proved that the listeners appreciated the points made, and that the lecturer had them at his mercy. As a lecturer the Doan is a magnificent success; his dictation is scholarly, his philosophy is sound, human, ami not austere; His presence is commanding, and his voice is excellent, the ‘'taste” of rich brogue adding piquuuy and flavour. The lecture altogether was a treat as delightful as it was charming. The only regret is that the residents of Huntly did not show by their presence their appreciation of au intellectual effort which was of a very high order. The lecture was interspersed with songs by Miss Lizzie Ralph and Messrs R. Raingcr and W. Tattley, and by selections cm a powerful gramaphouo manipulated by Mr J. Brooks. The inevitable dance followed the lecture. The trustees of the Public Library having decided to increase the stock of books, the selection committee met and selected a number of the latest editions to current Action.—(Own Correspondent).