MARERETU.

Northern Advocate, 10 March 1888, Page 3

MARERETU.

{From our oivn Correspondent.') The wonted tranquillity of this quiet district was broken for a spell on Monday by a soiree and concert held in celebration of the opening of the new Wesleyan Chapel here. The little chapel was tastefully decorated with native ferns, nikau, palms, mottoes, &c, giving the building a truly festive appearance. The weather proving propitious there was a very large attendance from this and the adjacent settlements of Waikiekie, Maungaturoto, and Paparoa. At five o'clock a beautiful tea, comprising all the delicacies that the most fastidious could desire, was provided, and efficiently presided over by the Misses Hudspith, Evans, Spick, McCarroll, and Mesdames Birt, Jenkins, Spick, Hudspith, and Evans. After justice had been done to the sandwiches, tarts and other good things, the tables were removed for the entertainment. Mr H. M, Hudspith took the chair, and a lengthy and diversified programme, comprising both .Acred and sentimental music was gone tfirough ; but, where all did their best, it ■ would be invidious to particularise. Mention, however, should be made of the duet "Beautiful City" by Miss H. Spick and Miss Evans. This was rendered with exquisite taste and expression, and was much appreciated. Interesting and pithy speeches were given by Messrs H. M. Hudspith, J. P. Evans, T. W. "Wilson, T. Slator, and other gentlemen. The only drawback to the enjoyment of the evening was the incapacity of the Imilding to accommodate the large number present. At the close of the programme a cordial vote of thanks was given to the ladies who had provided the good things of the evening, and to all who had given their time and talents in assisting to make tie entertainment a success. The singing of the doxology brought to a close the first entertainment ever held in Mareretu, and the assembly dispersed and wended their way homeward, brimming over with convivality. Many of our friends from the surrounding district expressed their willingness and. delight to visit jV£areretu again under similar favourable auspices. A j word of praise is duo to the ladies, ■who were assiduous in their exertions to ma::e the soiree a success. Since my last memo, the district hns been favoured with copious showers of rain, which has gladdened the hearts of our settlers. This is the first rain of any importance we have had for many weeks. The grass and crops were getting quite parched and dried up, and stock in consequece showed signs of deterioration. Many will be gratified to learn that the Board of Education have at last , convened a meeting of the householders on the fourth Monday in April, at Mr B. T. Birt's residence, for the election of a school committee.