EXCELSIOR LODGE SOIREE.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2993, 20 November 1879, Page 3

EXCELSIOR LODGE SOIREE.

The sixth anniversary of the Excelsior Lodge of Good Templars was held last evening in the Franklin road school-room, which was largely attended. The tea and condiments were relished by about 200 persons. The ladies in attendance at the tables were Mesdames J. Chambers, Rout, Moore, Porteous, Gibbs, Gray, and Misses Booth, Gibbs, Adliiigtou, Marson, and ltout. The liev. Joseph Long, minister of Alexandra-street Church, occupied the chair, and delivered a practical and kindly address, advocating the claims o£ total abstinence in favour of health, morals, and religion. The choir then gave a temperance ode in a moat efficient manner, and several other glees and choruses during the evening. Songs were well sung by Messrs Marson, Redfern, Ryan, and other gentlemcu ; also by sisters Bettany, Cottiugham, Hargraves, "Marsou, Gribble, Lawrence, Hahn, arid others. The singing generally was of a very creditable character. Recitations were given by sisters Gibbs, "The Bridal ; " sister Clarke, " The Gaping (jooso ;" and brother Newton, "William the Conqueror." These readings and recitations were well selected and fairly rendered. Sisters Hargraves' were much applauded and encored in their pianoforte solo. The popular song, "My Grandfather's Clock," by Misses Hargreavcs and Hahn, was quite a success. An address by Mr Brame was striking in its characteristics and frequently cheered. The singing of Miss Lawrence, Mrs Bettany, and the Misaea Hargreavcs was excellent. Mr A. Smith, as usual, won applause by his humorous recitations. In short, the whole of the entertainment was praiseworthy, and wort! y the title of the lodge, and the officers, Messrs Adliugton, Whitcombe, Carter, and Nightingale, deserve credit for the arrangements which terminated so successfully. •