BAND OF HOPE.

Northern Advocate, 19 August 1902, Page 2

BAND OF HOPE.

There was a largo gathering at the Band of Hope anniversary last night n the Presbyterian Church, many being unable to find seats. After a lymn had been rendered with vigour, he Eev. Matthew offered up a prayer n which he specially pleaded that the poung members of their Band of Elope would be protected against ■ strong drink. The roll call of the' youthful members was then called by Miss Rust, and there were found to be present 24 girls and over 20 boys. Addressing a few words to those present, but more particularly to the young, the pastor hoped they would be saved from the great evil which the band wns formed to stem. A lively march by the String Band, which was composed of Misses Bryers and Eust, and Messrs E. Reyburn, Triphook and C. May all, was received with applause. Miss Harrison's solo "The Coming of the King," was effectively given, after which Masters Halliday and Chissel gave a recitation which delighted the young folks present. A solo by Mr C. R. Lovatt, with chorus by the choir " Who Would not Love the Children " went well, and then Miss Ruby Chissell gave a recitation. The reciting and singing of a series of proverbs by the girl members of the Band of Hope was a novel feature, and much appreciated ; as was also the laughable item recited by Miss Louie Swanberg, a mite of tender years. Mr J. Horn gave a humorous recitation, the moral being apt to the object of the evening. Miss Adelaide Bryers followed with a violin solo, in which she was accompanied by Mr Triphook, and which was loudly applauded, but no more than it deserved as the young lady's execution was brilliant. "Earth's Dream is O'er, Farewell," given bj I Misses A. Tucker aud Rust followed and it was was well received. Aftei a hymn by the choir, which Mis! Rust accompanied, Misses Connell anc Tucker gave a dialogue, wherein th< moral was again evident, the moder ate drinker being this time the victim IMajiJer Arthur Culpan gave a piano ;#pi|Bj^p, and Miss Agnes Hallida; |i|ge^^/^ recitation. After whici j>f the twenty-six letter of a temperanc point^ raFwew were duly given by th members of the Band of Hope am these elicited considerable applause Masters Arthur Culpan and Stanle; Reyburn gave a pianoforte duet. Mr J. E. Roberts followed with i short address in which he exprassec pleasure at meeting men and womei who took an interest in the boys am girls; and he impressed the grea necessity of the young being lookei after in connection with the drinl question. He finished by denouncinj the " shouting " system. Pioceejding with the programm Miss NeUie- Stewart gave anothe temperance recitation, which was es ceedingly well rendered, although th tale of woe was -hardly suitable fo expression by such a young recitei Miss A. Tucker gave a solo acepmpan ied by Miss Wykes, ; -'ypyix % . A^W which Mr J. Harrison ascend e^ the platform. He referred ter th treat sympathy with the Movement ti by^e large j^jS^t^agfMJtfe an increase in .the consume f ion of d^lnk in Now Zealand hot oni by men but; by women; however ,h pointed out ate in : the colony" wh:ereH ,r np)ieeß^' ! was a fact He dwelt with vigour 0: ' the evil effects of aleiohdiicism, Jwhicl he hoped the young members of th Band of Hope would look npon a tne poison he -claimed it to be. Mr Brpadrig from Hikurangi, gay a musical item, which, while it promisee little at the start; was one of the gem of the evening. His encore especially delighted the audience, the foliri touches boing exceptionally well ren dered showing the performer to be i perfect master of the mouth organ Mr Higginson's "Plymduth Sounds 3 was effectively given and this wa followed by the string band who gay another stirring march. The dialogue by Misses Keyte an< Wykes and Messrs H. Culpan am Rallison followed, but the. audience and even the actors, seemed to enjo; the appeal ance of the backslider mor" than they did the moral, which Wai pointed in this as in the other items. A hymn sung by the whole of th< audience with a vigour and heartinesi which was a feature of the entertain ment brought the programme to i close, and after refreshments had beei handed round, a very enthusiasts gathering came to an end soon after IC o'clock. Before dispersing a vote of thanke was passed to the performers and others who had assisted in getting up the entertainment, Miss Rust being especially mentioned for her labour in training the children to so ably fill the parts they were put to during the evening. We understand that about £9 wae taken at the door.