SOIREE.

Bruce Herald, Volume III, Issue 58, 18 May 1865, Page 9

SOIREE.

The first anniversary Soiree of the . Toko hiairiro Young Mens' Mutual Imprqvemeni Society took place in the School-house 01 Tuesday evening last. A bountiful supply o: tea and eatables was provided, and betweei 80 and 100 sat down to partake of . them This important part of the proceedings ha vingbeen satisfactorily performed, the tee .^qtiipage was removed, and Mr. D. Doull President of the Society^ took the .Chair, anc read an able address explaining the objects

and uses of the society. Messrs. M'LatcKy, Bryce., and Jackson thefi sang a .Glee", very nicely, and complied "with the encore which followed. Mr. Archibald Martin gavd a Recitation, .' The Horrors of War.' Mr. Henry White addressed the meeting at some length on the advantages of * Self-help'-^instancing the casesfof Arkwriglit, Wedgewdod, and, the fotinder of the Peel family; and pointing to them, as brilliant examples 6f the success to be obtained by industry and perseverenc'e. Glee, by Messrs. Jackson; Bryce, and M'Latchy. Recitation— Mr. Robert Jackson. Song, 'Death of Nelson,' Mr. M'Latchy. This song was eagerly re-demanded, but Mr. M'Latcliy excused himself on the ground that he had to take part in several other pieces. An interval of a qiiarter of an hour then took place, during which fruit and other refreshments were handed round. The Second Part was opened by a Glee, in which the gentlemen already named acquitted themselves very well. Mr. Odoper xxesii reacl an Essay on. "T^mperance," which was well received ; but, if we might be allowed to say so, we would hint that its length was rather trying to the patience of an audience on such an occasion. The Recitation by Mr. H. Whyte, 'Advance Otago was greatly applauded. „ Mr. Johnstone followed with an Essay on ' Works of Fiction/ which had evidently been carefully prepared and was most creditable to the author. The advanced hotir and the length of the essay unfortunately prevented Mr. Johnstone reading the whole of it. Mr. M'Latch/s Recitation, ,' Tiie -Downfall of Poland/ was one of the best of the evening, and was well given and deservedly applauded. '.. . Song, ' Katty Avourneeii,' Mr. H. White, was encored. Glee— Messrs; Bryce; M'Latchy, and Jackson. , The Chairman then rose and stated that the Programme had been gone through, but that as he saw the Rev. Mr. Todd present he was sure they woiild all be glad to hear a few words from him. (Cheers.) Mr. . Todd briefly expressed the great interest he felt in the .welfare of the society, and his pleasure in being present on that occasion. The Rev Mr. Allen and John Dewe, Esq., R. M.; Tokomairiro; was also called upon and made a few remarks. Mr. H. White moved a vote of thanks to the School Commissioners for granting the use of the building. Votes of thanks were also passed to the Choir and the Chairman, and the proceedings closed by singing the National Anthem.