MEETINGS & ENTERTAINMENTS

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 137, 10 June 1909, Page 6

MEETINGS & ENTERTAINMENTS

Gfi&'TßAb attSSldN ANSIVBIt&iBY. The Auckland Central Mission celebrated its 12th. anniversary at the Albert-street Hall last evening. The president (Mr. W. H. Smith) occupied the chair. Reports of a very encouraging nature were read from Mr. Uuinmel, who has charge of the openair work; Mr. Green,.of the brass band; Mr. Adams, choir and orchestra; Mr. Congelton, Snnday-school; and- Mr.. Irwin. shipwork. The report ironi the Christian Endeavour showed that- the junior branch won banners presented by the Christian Endeavour Union for highest missionary contributions and increase in membership, and that the senior branch won the missionary banner for contributions for missionary purposes totalling £137, or £1 Styfe per head. The balance-sheet read by the treasurer of the, mission showed the total racome to be £il(k 17/6, and the balance in hand £8 6/8. During the evening-/Inusi-cal items were rendered by the , Mlsare Crawford ana 3lr. I^Hlacy. COSTCERT AT TAKAPTJNA. An enjoyable entertainment was given to the children of the Takapuna Orphanage on Monday evening by the Rev. Father Patterson, assisted by Mr. Will Skerrett, the popular coniic singer. The programme consisted of beautiful limelight views of a trip through Ireland, phonograph selections, and humorous songs In character by Mr. ■Will Skerrett. All tfie items were greatly enjoyed by the children-. At the close of the concert the children gave three hearty cheers for Father Patterson and Mr. Will Skerrett for their kindness. MT. EDEN BAPTIST CHUBCH. A very successful function took place in the Mt. Eden Baptist Church on Tuesday, the occasion being the extension of a welcome to the Rev. Howard EUiot, of Clayfield, Brisbane. Nearly twelve months ag6 the chuTch was deprived of i6s pastor by the death of the Rev. J. B. Sneyd, and at the church's call Mr. Elliot came from Queensland to fill the vacancy. He arrived last Sunday, and commences work immediately. Last evening's meeting was a veryrepresentative one, members from all the sister churches in the city being present. The platform was occupied by the minister of the denomination and others from the Immediate vicinity the Rev. IS. A. Klrwood, of Grahge-rdaa Baptist Cniircn, presiding. The senior deacon, Mr. J. A. Penman, ay representing -the church and all its kindred organisations, extended -the hand lof hearty welcome to the new pastor and his wife. Mr. Billot vras then welcomed by the Rev. Know Ice Kempton On behalf of the Baptist denomination of New Zealand, and by the Eev. Alfred North on pehalf of Ehe Baptist Union of New Zealand; The Rev. Gray" Dlxon, of St. David's Presbyterian Churcn, spoke on behalf of the churches of the other denominations, Welcoming Mt. Bllfdt to hfs frork at Mt. Edeiu In replying, Mr. Elliot referred to the -work lie intended trying to do In his new sphere of labour, and appealed to all for_ their hearty support In that direction. During the evening anthems were rendered -by the choir. MOUNT, At,BEB.T LITERARY AUt> SOCIAL CLDB. On Monday night at the Mount Albert Literary and Social Club, the Rev. A. -Miicaulay Caldwell delivered a lecture on "Books." The lecture displayed a masterly command of this interesting subject, and could not fail to create or stimulate a literary taste In all who heard it-. The lecturer showed that for every 2000 novels published, 8000 books of other classes were published, thus indicating the demand for educational works, as of travel, philosophy, poetry, etc., is much greater than for light literature. Many modern novelists' works lacked the true spirit of art, the representation of human nature and ideal's, and were merely stories of exciting situations. Biography was perhaps the best reading for young people, giving thorough interesting anecdote a strong desire for success. The business man would ffnd much needed relaxation of mind by diverting some of his attention to a study of poetry. The lecturer was accorded a vote of thanks, ino.ved by Mr \Yatson, and seconded by Mr Marshall, anß carried enthusiastically by the large audience. ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY. At the annual meeting of St Andrew's Society, held in the Federal Hall, the president, Mr j. 51. Mennle, occupied the chair, a large number of members being present. The annual report stated that 20 Dew members had been added to the roll, while 10 had resigned, and there had been three deaths, the roll standing now at 199. Reference was made to the loss sustained to the society !u the deaths of the late Messrs James MeXalr, j>. D. Mackay, and John McLean. Reference was afso made to the, visit of several expositors of Scottish song and poem during the year. Tho choir, under the able leadership of Mr Bryden, had contributed largely to the pleasure of social gatherings, ana the pipe band, under Pipe-Major ,T. W. Blmslle, had progressed, and -been much in request during the year. It now consisted Qf 17 members, and a suggestion that uniformity In dress, kilts, etc.. be aimed at, was under consideration. The various social branches' were nil stated to be flourishing, while the financial position was, reported to be eminently satisfactory. Mr J. M. Mennle was elected president, Messrs J. Barle rind J. Robertson were re-elected vice-presidents, J. Edmlston, hon. secretary; J. H. M. Bell, hon. treasurer. During che Evening presentations Vera made 'fo Messrs H M Bell and J. W-. Elmslie. An enjoyable programme was discussed, and a long and patriotic roust list hondufea. "fife 'proceedings terminating with "Auld Lang Syne."