FOXHILL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 12 March 1912, Page 2

FOXHILL.

(From Our Gwfi Correspondent.) The Cantata "Under the Palms'' was rendered by St. Luke's choir in the Foxliii; Stjhooli'oLSfil Oil Wednesday evening last. Th e weather conditions proved most unfavourable, but this did not prove an obstacle to the success of the entertainment. The building 'was filled. Rev. O. R. Hewlett presided. The. cioilductoi" \vaS iMr. Edi'idye. the organist Miss Palmer, and the choii' 'Misses E. 13urge, L. Mead, A. and 'C. Palmer ; Mesdam.es Hunt, Mead, and Tunnieliffe ; Rev. E. H. Curie (Curate), Messrs R-. P. and F. Palmer, C. Mead, and Edwards; assisted iby the scholars of St. Lvlke's Sunday School, who, by the way, did Credit to their teachers. The Cantata was opened with the hymn. "Gloty to My God This Night," and prayer. The chairman then ex-plained that the title of the Cantata (Under the PaLrlls) represented the ,ce>Le bait ion of an old Jewish Ft-ast of the Tabernacle, and of i'ejoicing <iftci* their release from Bondage. The story told by the service of song was at tunes mos<t solemn, and others rejoicing, making it most- interest ing and enjoyalble, consising as it did < 1 solos, ' duets," quartettes, choruses and semi-choruses. Those entrusted with the solo parts were .Mrs C. Mead, blisses Mead and A. Palmer, Messrs R. and P. Palmer, Edwards, C. Mead ; Rev. C. H. Curie. Many of the items were encored. the whole was apparently much appreciated. The proceeds are to be devoted to the purchase of a new organ — the new instrument being used for the first time on th e occasion. The tone was much admired. Rev. Hewlett thanked Mr. Edridge and the choir for ,the excellent entertainment, and announced that the Cantata would be repeated on Saturday evening, ito give ail ticket holders " an opportunity o>f attending. The Doxology and Lord's Prayer was then sung. On Saturday evening last the Cantata again drew a .good ' and appreciative audience, which was gratifying to those most- concerned, the net result being considered most satisfactory.

PRESENTATION TO MR. EDRIDGE. On Friday -evening, Btlx inst., Mr. Edridge was the guest of St. Lukes choir, at -\lr. A. *3. Palmer s residence, Foxhill. when Mr. Roy Palmer, on behalf of tho choir, ;p resented Mr. Edridge with a hall barometer and thermometer combined. In malting the presentation Mr. Palmer said that the Occasion was not looked upon as a farewell, but as a mark of appreciation, and a souvenir ot the many pleasant times the choir and their conductor ihad spent together C ' UI ~ ing the last five, years. They a.ll hoped that Mi*. Edridge's services would be available again in the near future, when it was hoped he would, after haying a o-ood rest, settle somewhere in the neighbourhood. Mr. Edridge's services to the choir were keenly appreciated by them, knowing as they did the many occasions that he attended practice at a threat deal of personal inconvenience, and m all sorts of weather. Mr. Palmer remarked in conclusion that _h& hoped the barometer would always point to fair. In returning 'thanks to the choir for the present and the Spirit which prompted it, Mr. Edridge acknowledged the many hap.pv times spent with the members. He did not need anything to assist him to remember them. The work to 'him was a. labour of love, and doing what he had done he fel.t it his duty to do. Mr. Edridge also spoke feelingly of the splendid services rendered by the organist, Miss Palmer, whose part was as important as that of the conductor, and 'had made his work much easier. Miss Palmer was always at her post. The evening was spent, in music, smgrng. two readings by Mr. Edridge, and socia. intercourse. The pleasant evenings enjoyment being concluded with supper.