OTAHUHU.-SOIREE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3356, 18 April 1868, Page 3

OTAHUHU.-SOIREE.

A soiree was held in the Otabnhu Public Hall on Tuesday last, in aid of the Trinity Church parochial funds. The weather was not altogether propitious; nevertheless this was probably as successful, in every respect, as any meeting >at Otahuhu of a similar character. The fine hall was densely crowded, and great 1 credit is due to the ladies who provided the trays, for the admirable way in which they fulfilled their rather Orierons duties, some of the tables being replenished with freih visitors on two or three occasions. Two long tobies were placed on either side the hall, and one across the upper end. The trays at the upper table were furnished by Mrs. Buckland, Miss Ltle, and Miss Donnelly; those on the right* band side by Mrs. Goodwill, Mrs. Rickitt, and Mra. J. Vercoe ; while on the left were Mrs. Luke, Mrs. Marshall, and Mrs. Tickelpenny. The tables being cleared away, the seats were arranged for the next part of the programme, consisting of vocal and instrumental music, addresses, *c. On the motion of Mr. John Gokdon, the Rev. J. Maoky was unanimously voted to the chair, and was listened to with earnest attention^ while he explained his views on soir6es in general. He believed that they were attended with good in various ways— not the least where they brought together ministers and people of. yarious denominations, because by this means there would, he trusted, be created a more sociable and brotherly feeling among them. But while he so far regarded aoire>s as ; productive of good, he could not but say that he thought it ought not to be necessary to' resort to soirees as a means of raising funds for meeting the current expenses connected with the churoh. He believed that, if people would consider seriously their responsibilities, they would conclude with him that they ought to do far more for the support of their Church. He considered that, if the members of the Church of England in Otahuhu were to do their duty, there would be no need of sotrges to make up deficiencies in their funds. The rich, while spending their money in fine houses, fine clothes, aud elegant equipages, should not think that they have done all that they ought to do when they have given their two or three pounds to the Church j instead of that, there should be their ten, their twenty, aye, their fifty pounds — according as God hath prospered them; for it is a disgrace to the Church j that it cannot be supported properly by i its own members, nor is it right that ministers should have to resort to. other means of | obtaining a livelihood. It is, anti-scriptural to allow it, for St. Paul tells us plainly that they that preach the gospel should live of the gospel. He does not say partly of the gospel and partly from something else. He would impress this with all earneatness on those who heard him now, that they may determine to furnish an adequate support to their minister, whose labours were quite sufficient without adding to them the anxieties consequent on insufficient means for the proper support of himself and family. The rev. gentleman concluded by announcing that he beld in his hand a musical programme, and he doubted not but that it would give them all great pleasure to listen to the songs, &c, mentioned in the list. Some vocalists, composed chiefly of the members of the church choir, then sang the glee, "Hail, smiling morn," very creditably. And we may here mention that the various glees, song*, &c, with which these amateurs enlivened the proceedings showed that considerable pains had been taken to do well that which they had undertaken; and they were rewarded by the evident appreciation of their efforts. Several voices in the treble part were remarkably good, while other parts were ably sustained The glee was followed by a trio, " O lady fair," and the well-known sulo "Hocked in the cradle of the deep." , Tbe Rev. G-. Buttle then addressed the meeting. He expressed his pleasure in seeing so large an assembly. He could, however, quite coincide with the remark of the rev. chairman that there would be no necessity of raising money by means of soirees if Church members were thoroughly awake to their responsibilities ; but, as a means of promoting unity and kindly feeling, he considered their meeting together in this way productive of good. He would recall to the recollection of Church members the anecdote concerning the board that met together to consult how they might construct a wooden, pavement. A wit, hearing that the thing puzzled them, remarked that they need not be puzzled by such a simple affair ; all they had to do was to put their heads together, and the thing would be done. He would say to them, Put your beads together and determine that you will do it, and it will be done. The following songs, &c., were then given :— Glee, "Ofcin the stilly night ;" duet, "Come o'er the moon-lit sea ; " song, with chorus, "Be kind to the loved ones at home j " glee, " See, our oars." Mr. Bbvekidge then gave one of his effective recitations, " The Bridge of Sighs." The subject is one that requires som* tact to give it proper effect, and tbe applause of the audience showed tuat they were much pleased with the masterly manaer in which the reciter handled the subject. The duet, "I know a bank, " and trio, "The Redcross Knight," then followed ; after which Mr. Allom, V.S., delighted all by reading a speech — said to be a bonk-fide one, delivered in the American Congress by General ßiely. We are not very choice sometimeß in our own Council as to language, but we venture to say that we should be somewhat; startled to hear anything afiefthe fashion of the gallant General, Glee, "Here in cool grot ;" duet, " The Elfin Call ;" recitation, by Mr. Beveridge, " Mary Queen of Scots," — given by particular request — followed by the humorous glee, by three gentlemen, " Of all the brave birds." Mr. Lylb's hearty thanks to the ladies who had furnished the trays, and to those who had given them a musical treat that evening, as well as to those who had contributed very materially in other ways, were as heartily responded to by Mr. JoHtf Buckland. who believed that the ladies would never be found wanting where good was to be dove.< This part of the proceeding* was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to tbe Chairman, to which he duly responded, and by all singing the National Antbem. The room was then prepared for dancing, which was kept up with great spirit till after one o'clock. And here, without wishing to give any opinion as to danciug at soirees, we cannot refrain from remarking that any one present, and observing the order and decorum preserved by nearly 2uO young persons on th<s occasion, would be led to confess that dancing is in itself a delightful and perfectly innocent amusement, though like anything else it may be abused. We are very pleased to hear that the whole thing was a success in a pecuniary point of view, the net proceeds amounting to upwards of £30 ; and the result must have been very gratifying to the Managing Committee who certainly merit all praise ' for their efforts. One thing more, and we h»ve done. The object of the soiree was such as would naturally prevent the clergyman of Otahuhu from taking an active part in it, but were there no brother clergymen who could by their attendance have shown their sympathy with the object ? We hear that three were invited by the committee. One, ia answer, regretted hi» inability to attend. Of the other two, one at leaat was, we hear, depended on. Why he was not present we know not, but it struck us ai singular that a Presbyterian and a Wesleyan minister, by their attendance, showed their sympathy and regard, and yet that the clergyman of Otahuhu should not be supported .on this occasion by one of the brethren of his owa Church.