PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1986, 31 March 1885, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TE AWAMUTU.

A vkri successful soiree in c mnectiun with the Presbyterian Chinch «>w field m the Public Hull on Thur-d.iv evening. Tables were provided by Mesdames Hutson, Taylor, Short and might, and two tables were also provided by bachelois, and were presided over by Misses Mucky, Scott and Hodgson. The tables were loaded with good things, which were appreciated by everyone. There were boveral relays, and the speed with which the tables weie cleared of the viands was a good indication that the really excellent cooking of the fair ladies who provided the trays wasthorouglily appreciated. Alter tea the tables were lemoved and snatb arranged in the hall, which was almost full to the door. The Rev. Mr Hntson occupied the chair, and gave a statement of the aft'«tirs of the church in thib distiiet. He has been here about nine mouth*, there are now about ninety families attending services, and fiom thiity to foity members of the church bcattoied tlnottghout the disttict. He contracted tlie uoik of the ministers of tlic Presbytoiuii Chinch of the Not th Island with that of the ministeis of Otago. In the latter distnet there were two hundred incnibeis for each minister, while in the former there were only one hundred, but the northern district extended over three times tho aiea o F tho Otago distiict. In many of the n.». tiioin districts clergymen have to tiavel long -distances to hold '•ervices, as the congiegations aie in home places widely scattered. According to tho Registrar General's repoit there weie thirty -one different kindb of Presbyterians in New Zealand ; all these however are now united hi the Church of Otngo and Southland, and the Church of New Zealand. The lev. gentleman expressed his pleasuio at this gratifying fact, and hoped to see t!.c tune when nil tho different sections of the vaiious chinches would unite as the ProsIs} terin.n-5 had d«mo. Tin*; soiree wns for the purpose of helping to pay off the debt of the church, which was only £4G when the church was opened, but which had incleaned somewhat of late, owing to ceitain improvement* which had been effected on the manse grounds, such as fencing, &c. At the close of tho chairman's speech the following prograinmp was carried out : — Pianoforte solo. Miss Mandeno ; songr, " Bolievo Me if all Those Endearing Young Charms," Mr W. Simms ; soujj, Mrs Hugh Ferguson; recitation, "The Power of the Pen," Mr Brooks ;song, " Silver Rhine,"Mr Prince ;song, " In the Gloaming I ," Mrs Ellis ; bong, Mrs Andrew. The Rev. Mr Evans then gave one of his characteristic addresses, which was a happy combination of humour and sound precept. He made uso of many funny anecdotes as a vehicle for convoying instruction, and though his audience laughed hoaitily at the drolleiies of some of them, they could not fail to see the moral which it was intended they should convey. Ho ga^e instruction in such a pleasant manner that he was listened to with tho utmost attention throughout, and at the close was heaitily applauded. Song, Mrs Fei guwon ; song, '* When Night is Darkest,"' Mr Sim ms. Address by Mr \V. T. Hunter, of Auckland. Mr Hunter in a very practical speech pointed out the neces a ity for tho various congregations throughout the country, giving a heatty support to the churches to which they belonged ; they should give of their means and givo cheerfully. It was not expected that people should neglect paying their debts in order to give to their church, but agieat deal of the money which was spent needlessly would be bettor applied by being given to thechuirh. Let tho amount bo ever so small, if given cheerfully, it would be thankfully received. The widow who cast her mite into tho treasury, had a place in tho pages of history which was denied others who gave of their abundance. fiho gave all sho had, and gave it w ith a willing Heart, and It was thought moreof for that reason than the largo contributions of the rich. At the close of tho address, Miss Macky sang, and Mr McLnren followed with "The Englishman." Mr Germann in a few felicitous terms moved a vote of thanks to tho ladies and gentlemen who piovided tho tables, and to the bingcrs, which was carried by acclamation and brought the entertainment' to a close. When wo take into consideration the limited congregation there ism the Presbyteiian palish wo cannot fail to be impre&sed with thoir liberality, for they give their clergyman a stipend of £200 a year, with a good house ancj extensive grounds, _ The members of the Anglican ohuroh, might, with profit to themselves, take a leaf out of tho Presbyterian book, and givo thoir clergyman (something nioro than tho salary that a mcichaut gives to one of his junior cloiko.— (Own Coi respondent.)

A max in a sleeping oar went through a terrible accident, in which the cur rolled down an embankment, without waking. It was noted, however, that as the cur struck the bottom, he murmured, " Don't Jane, don't ; I'll get up and start; the flre."