TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1946, 25 December 1884, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU.

A Band of Hope has been in existence here for some time. Two or three first began the movement, and for some time their effort* were attended with very indifferent success, but they steadily persevered, and at length bouie people attended, at first out of curiosity, but after a time they joined the band. Meantime a number of children had been enrolled, and their examplechildren though they were — was followed br others of maturer years, with the result that the membership is now very strong. The foitnigbtly meetings, which are held in the Wesleyu>n Chapel, are rendered attractive by music and recitations, so that those who attend have something more to listen to than dry homilies, as every effort is made to render the meetings pleasing. Tn connection with the society a service of Ming entitled, " John Trepfonoweth, His \- Mark," was held in the Presbytei lan Chinch on Monday evening, the Rev. Mr Htitson in the chair. The attendance was not so good as the occasion deserved, but this may be owing to the weather, which was unreasonable and cold, but tho&p who were there enjoyed the evening's entertainment. The proceedings opened with a hymn, and prayer by the chairman, who in a few remarks, introduced the «übjeet. Mr Creamer gave the connective leadings, and at intervals the choir, consibting of about 28 voices, sang the v.uiou> pieces of music. The singing of the children, who formed a considerable portion of the choir, had a very pleasing effect. Mr T. "Fry \n elided at the harmonium, Mr D. Fry played the flute accompaniments, and Mr J. Fry performed the part of conductor. The reading was exceedingly good, and the singing excellent, the choir having evidently had plenty of practice. The Messrs Fry, at no small trouble and inconvenience to themselves, attended the practices, for which they deserve the thanks of the society. At the close of the service of song the Rev. Hauraki Paul addressed the audience on the subject of temperance. He regretted the hold the love of strong drink had upon the natives, and deprecated the sale of intoxicating liquors to them. The Europeans had confeired a great blessing upon the Maoris by introducing the Go?pel, but its good effects were, in many instances counterbalanced by drink. He hoped all pakehas would unite in putting down the drink traffic, and concluded by asking the cooperation of those present in furthering this end. The object of the entertainment is to provide funds for a pic-nic for the children. There is .some talk of the service of song being repeated at a future date, and if huch be the ca^e I hope it will be better attended than this one. — (Own Correspondent.)