RAGLAN,

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2261, 6 January 1887, Page 2

RAGLAN,

Wesleyan SoireeOn Wednesday evening, 29th insh, n soiree was held in the Wesleyan Church here, in aid of the circuit fund. The building was beautifully decorated for tho occasion, willing hands supplying ferns, &c, from the bush, and he Maori welcome, "Haerejtnai," stood out from the wall in of deep green. The tables were kindly given and presided over by the following ladies :— Mesdames Gilmour, Mitchell, Wallis and the Misses Spence. A large number of settlers were present, and one and all seemed to do justice to the excellent provision made for the inner man. The tables were supplied with Christmas cheer of all kinds. The after meeting took place at 7 p.m., and was presided over by Mr W. H. Wallis, who opened the meeting in an interesting speech. Mr Billington then, iii an earnest speech, spoke of the benefits of religion, and the obligations we were under to God for all His benefits. Mr Parris spoke of the past, present and future, and, in dealing with the three ages of life, gave a thrilling description of the Christmas sports that prevailed during his early years. Rev. Mr Mather then addressed tho meeting and in an interesting manner said the Church wanted support, and a minister too, not according to the prayer of one who said " Lord bless our minister, keep him humble and we'll keep him poor." (Laughter). Great praise was due to the ladies for their effort; he never saw better provision made. Rev. Mr Joshua, native minister, spoke next, as to his labours as a Church of England minister, and the pleasure he had in being present. They were all one body in Christ, and he would be glad te see a unity of Churches. [Mr Wallis in interpreting said the rev. gentleman was a man of great influence with his people.] Mr Stephenson then referred to the pleasure it gave him to see so many present, and to welcome Mr Mather amongst them. He thanked him for his eloquent address. He (Mr Stephenson) nad laboured amongst them for the last twenty months, he trusted not ill vain, and he hoped for tr.ore Christian communion and fellowship, and that the gospel of Christ might spread among them, and that all might pay more attention to the means of grace. A number of choruses and hymns n - ere sung by the choir, and friends contriouted some very choice solos. The proceeding closed with the usual votes of thanks to the ladies, the choir and the chairman.— (Own Correspondent).