PRIESBYTERIAN CONVERSAZIONE AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1476, 17 December 1881, Page 2

PRIESBYTERIAN CONVERSAZIONE AT CAMBRIDGE.

byteriam- of Cambridge, &'&d of their ' church, in the Public Hall, on Wednesday evening, and was in every respect an unqualified success. Perhaps the success of the evening may to a great extent be attributed to the fact that the usual form of concert or soiree was departed from, a conversazione partaking, of the nature of both, though not embracing the unbroken monotony of the former- nor- the unnecessary indulgence of the latter. Novelty always excites the curiosity, and those who were, unacquainted with ttye title of the eveningV entertainment were anxious to have practical experience of its entertaining capabilities, and we think that those who were present on Wednesday evening were highly pleased and gratified with their first experience of its working. The hall was comfortably filled with a respectable and appreciative audience, and there was an entire absence of the noisy, whistling, and feet-stamping, encore element, usually indispensable to social gatherings of this kind. The programme was varied,' and indeed very acceptable, though it must be said there was a slight preponderance of oratory, which assisted in lengthening the programme to no inconsiderable extent, and thus necessitated the withholding of several vocal and instrumental contributions, which would otherwise have been submitted. The entertainment opened with the chorus, "How beautiful upon the mountains," which was followed with an address by the Rev. Mr Evans, who occupied the chair. Before entering ; on his discourse the chairman apologised for the absence of Mr J. B. Whyte, M.H.R., Avho was to have presided over the meeting, but who was unavoidably prevented from being present. He then entered upon a most entertaining and instructive discourse on the social relations of mankind and the science of eating The speaker interspersed his remarks with his usual characteristic witticisms, eliciting 1 much laughter and applause. Mr Speed entertained the audience with a very lively song " Polly 1 ' and was warmly encored but did not respo d. Thia is the first timd we have had the pleasure of seeing this gentleman on a Cambridge platform and we hope it will not be the last. An address was delivered by the Roy. Mr Bull. The discourse was entitled " The Pew" and dealt with the various classes of few occupants, their manner of listening 1 to a sermon, their accustomed attitudes and postures, their appreciation of the speaker, and their sympathy with his Rubject. It is needless to say Mr Bull received a very attentive hearing, for those who have had the pleasure of listening to the reverend gentleman'? concise, and lucid addresses, have never had occasion to complain of his want of brevity and consideration for the audience. An anthem " The Nun's Prayer" was then sang by the choir after which refreshments consisting of fruit and pastry, were handed round by the committee. Mr Evans opened the second part of the programme with an organ solo which was creditably executed, and this was followed by an address from the Rev. Mr Fulton of Hamilton, on the beneficial effects and civilizing tendency of social gatherings. The choir then contributed "Jerusalem my Glorious Home" and was deservedly applauded. Mr J. P. Campbell delivered a very instructive and no less entertaining speech, eliciting at frequent intervals loud laughter and applause. " Nanny wilt thou gang with me" was then sang- by Mrs Hugh Fergusson. This lady's fine scotch accent combined with her melodious voice and easy delivery enabled her to do justice to the song which was the vooal gem of the evening. Refreshments having been again handed round, Mr Parr contributed a violin solo, and this was followed by an address fiom the Rev. Mr Whytock. Messrs. Evans and Drummond sung 1 in excellent harmony the favourite song. "Albion, on thy fertile plains'' with considerable effect. The programme was brought to a most satisfactory close with a flute and harmonium duett by Mr and Mrs Brooks entitled "With verdure clad." This was an excellent piece of music and was rendered in good time and harmony. God save the Queen was then sang by the audience and the meeting seperated!