CITY AND SUBURBAN ITEMS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 71, 17 December 1928, Page 6

CITY AND SUBURBAN ITEMS

NEWS AND NOTES OF INTEREST Loyal Central Branch, G.U.0.0.F., held its fortnightly meeting last Thursday, Bro. Slyues, N.G., presiding, Bro. Morgan, P.N.G., supervising. Three members reported on sick roll. One new member was admitted and three new candidates were proposed. There was a good attendance of members. Bro. Bradstock, Miramar, was a visitor. Children’s Christmas tree and party arrangements were finalised. Bro. W. Weldon was elected secretary.

Handel’s oratorio “The Messiah” was rendered at Wesley Church, Taranaki Street, last evening, before a large congregation. The choir of 70 voices, specially augmented, was under the direction of Mr. H. Temple White, who also presided at the organ. The service was conducted by the Rev. C. Eaton, minister of the church, who gave a short address on "Christmas Peace.” The choruses by the choir were particularly, well sung, and included “And the Glory of the Lord,” “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings,” “For Unto Us,” “Glory to God,” and “Hallelujah.” The choir was well balanced, and the singing indicated careful preparation. The soloists were Miss Myra Sawyer (soprano), Miss Nora Greene (contralto), Mr. George Wilson (tenor), Mr. John Prouse (bass). All were in good voice, and sang the solos allotted with ease and artistry. Mr. Prouse, an old member of the choir, was particularly effective in “But Who May Abide,” and the following, “For He is Like a Refiner’s Fire.” Miss Greene’s best number was “He Shall Feed His Flock,” which was .sung with great feeling. Miss Sawyer’s singing of “Rejoice Greatly” was very fine. Mr. Wilson’s singing of “Comfort Ye” and “Every Valley” was most effective. Mr. White played the “Overture” and the beautiful “Pastoral Symphony.” The whole rendering, in an atmosphere of devotion and reverence, reflected great credit on the choir and choirmaster alike.

The quarterly meeting of the Loyal Sister Wallis Lodge, Manchester Unity, 1.0.0. F., was held recently, Sister E. Parnell presiding over a good attendance. One candidate was initiated into the order. Sick visitor’s reports were received. Lodge honours were accorded a visiting Sister from Loyal Magatainoks Lodge. An invitation was received and accepted from Loyal Kilbirnie lodge to attend their installation meeting. A report was received from the committee set up to discuss the allocation of the re-valuation surplus. Their recommendation was accepted and adopted, it being decided to increase the funeral benefits of members by a certain rate, according to length ,of membership. Officers for the ensuing term were as follows: I.P.N.G. Sister E. Parnell; N.G. Sister A. Muir; V.G., Sister H. Julian; E.S., Sister G. Bedell; lecture mistress, Sister E. McFarlane; warden, Sister E. Bell; pianist, Sister McCarthy; conductor, Sister D. Allen; assistant conductor, Sister Reynard; guardian, Sister Johns.

A children’s Christmas party was held at Wadestown on Saturday. Entering through a window of St. Luke’s new Parish Hall Father Christmas, dressed in his red coat, green trousers, and top boots, was welcomed by the 150 children gathered to meet him. The children were in fancy dress costume. A Spanish signorita was arin-in-arm with a brigand. Peter Pan jostled an Olympic champion, and a Turkish lady was getting along famously with Little. Lord Fauntleroy; a little Dutch maid, a pierette, and bluebell stopped talking, while Mrs. Tutankhamen was' taken care of by a Castilian noble. Father Christmas 'distributed ’his presents and then departed through the window while the children went to supper. This happy party was organised by the St. Luke’s Girls’ Club, members of which provided a very pleasing entertainment. Among the programme items were: — “Hornpipe, danced by Miss Lawna McKay, and a skipping-rope dance ’ and ballet dance by Miss Lindsay Greig. Miss Mollie Cook’s artistic toe dance was of a high order, and the finale Spanish costume dance by Misses L. Greig, M. Cook, N. Greig, and L. McKay, which proceeded to the clicking of castanets and the strumming of tambourines, eyoked a demand for an encore. The Girls’ Club presented Mrs. Wither, their organiser, with a crystal vase as a token of their appreciation of her work on the club’s behalf.

The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Victoria Diamond Lodge, Manchester Unity 1.0.0. F., was held recently, the N.G., Bro. E. E. Whyman, presiding over a good attendance of sisters and brothers. P.G. Bro. A. C. Astridge reported that he had attended the funeral of the late Bro. F. Hook, who had been closely associated with this lodge for many years. Practically every lodge in the Wellington district was represented at the graveside, including the district officers. It was decided to forward a letter of sympathy to the deceased’s family, the lodge honouring the motion in silence. The installation of officers took place, the lecture master, P.G. Bro. G. Astridge, being the installing officer. Lodge honours were tendered to the newlyinstalled to which they suitably replied. One candidate was declared off the funds of the lodge by doctor’s certificate. Lecture Master P.G. Bro. G. Astridge advanced two candidates in order of degrees.