MEETINGS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14903, 17 February 1914, Page 9

MEETINGS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

j At tho Clarence road Methodist Clmrch on ! Thursday evening a "social" was held to bid farewell to Mr S. G. Macfarlano, 8.A.. assistant master at tbe Riccarton school, and Mrs Macfarlano, who aro leaving this district for Grconda'.e, where Mr M-C-anane has been appointed headmaster. The Roy. S. Griffith spoke of the many services rendered by Mr and Mr» Macfarlane in connexion with the church and Sunday school. Miss Watson. Mr Glass, and Mr G. Bate*, also spoke of the esteem and regard iv which they were held. A eet of brushes and several volumes were presented to Mr Macfarlane, and a handbag to Mrs Macfarlane. Mrs McLean, tho president of the Ladies' Guild, also presented Mrs Macfarlane with a cut glass scent bottle, on behalf ot thc Guild. The St. Albana Rcchabdte Tent considered a report of the business transacted at a meeting of delegates in connexion with a Rechabi-o membership campaign. It evoked considerable diecua-iou, but the movement was approved. In recognition of tho splendid service rendered to the Tent _, by Sister E. M. Lukey, the Chief Ruler called upon the secretary. Bro. A- D. H-ssall, to present her with a framed Past Chief Ruler's certificate. Reference waa made to the loyal and enthusiastic interest displayed by Mis* Lukey in the cauae of Rechabttiam. An officers' social evening was held at the King George V. Seamen's Institute, Lyttelton, on Friday night, and wm attended by about forty officer*", including four captains. A very pleasant time waa spent in Barnes snd other ainuaamcnts. Son-* were given by Misees Maggie Clark and Shepherd, and instrumental selections by the Liowood Woodbeea Orchestra. The support which is being accorded the Institute is evidence that its work is being folly appreciated by the officers and others. , At tie monthly meeting o! the Plulapstown Free Kindergarten, Mrs J. H. Fountain presided. The treasurer reported that tbe school contributions were very satisfactory, and tie school report showed a roll number of co, aad an average attendance since reopening of 49 children. The resignation* 'f Mr« Vaitch and Mr L. VV. Ormandv were accepted, and Mrs Archibold w»s appointed a. member of the ccn-mitvoe. Mrs Fountain and Mr A, W. Jamieeoa wen. appointed ihe Visiting Committee for the month. The opening of thc 1914 session of tho Knox Cnurch Band of Hope took place in

the schoolroom on Thursday evening* Tea was provided, and a number of children and members of tho committee wero present. Alter tea. an excellent programme wes given, consisting of songs, recitations, and pianoiorte solos, the following contributing items:—Recitations, Mai*ie Waiters, Dor-en _i_rk, Kathleen Muff, Ngaio Waiters, Mavis llitchie. Gladys Simpson, Kathleen Bowden, Edina Simpson, Mr G. Bunt, and Mr A. A. North; harmonica solo, Mr C. Brown; pianoforte solo, Mass Arnold; eongs, Mis* P. Cole, Mr Mci-onwe, and Mr A. A. North. The Sydenham Salvation Army .Boys' Brass Band gave a number of selections during the evening in fc_c_lle.it 6tyle for such young performers. Mr L. M. lsitt, M.P., gave an addres. on the necessity of keeping up the Band oi Hope work in the interests of the children. 'Ihe Rev. Dr. Erwin occupied the chair. On Saturday the Canterbury Women's Institute held its twenty-first annual meeting, Mrs S. Page presiding. The following officers were elected:— Pr__.dT.nt. Mrs Wel.s; honorary secretary, Mrs S. Pugs; ts._3taut secretary, Mrs Robins: honorary treasurer, Mr* Williams; vice-presidents, Mo_damc3 Cunnington, Howell, Atkinson, Clarkson, and E-eorn.

The Lyttelton Ifeihc-.st Church choir and friends held a moonlight excursion last Friday night at Diamond Harbour, where a very enjoyable open-uir concert was given in the grounds of the accoi_n.cdation hou_c. At the conclusion of tho concert supper was partaken of, and several toa-ts wire honoured. After thanking Mr Walker, the manager of the estate, for his interest and hospitality, the party returned to Lyttelton.

A large and representative gathering of Druids assembled in the Oddfellows' Hall, Seiwyn etreet, Inst evening, when a presentation was made to P.D.P. Bro. P. W. Steven, on his having compl-ted his term of office of District President of No. 2 district. Representatives wero present from tho Oak of Sydenham, Anchor. Hearts of o_k, Pioneer. Mistletoe, Hopo of St. Albans, Ivy of Linwood. and Lily of Richmond Lodges. The Arch Druid Bro. Walls was euopcrted by P.D.O.P. Bro. J. Burgess, V.D.G.P. Bro. W. J. N«_'_, and D.G.T. Bro. J. Jowsey. The Vice Grand President, in making th© presentation of a P.D.P. collar, complimented Bro. Stevens on the representative nat'ire of the a-'-vcmblage and of the fervicen rendered by him to the district. Bro. J. Burgess then presented "Hro. Stevens with *t hand-ome framed diploma on behalf of the Canterbury District Grend Lod7e. Various toasts wero honoured pnd responded to, and musical and elocutionary items wero f-iven by _sro«. Edmonds, J. Cotton, L. C. Dixon, 'P. Hand, Eastwick, Yager, Hart, Waters, Yates, Thompson, Cliff, and McCracken. A most .njoyabl. evening was brought to a conclusion by tho singing of "Auld Lang Syne."