NOTES FROM MAPUA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 25 June 1931, Page 2

NOTES FROM MAPUA

VARIOUS SOCIAL FUNCTIONS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CONCERT (Front Our Own Correspondent) An enjoy,'ihie concert was given in the Presbyterian Cliurdi by a party of performers from Nelson, which "had been organised by .Mrs it. White, an ex-tcacher of the Alapua school. The building was filled with a most appreciative audience, every item being heartily encored ; while the visitors were obligingly and willingly responsive. I lie Rev. R. T. Dodds was in the diair, and bis happy and humorous interpositions added to the feeling of good fellowship on the part of audience, and performers alike.

’I lie programme opened with a chorus, “Softly lull the Shades of Evening,” followed l>_y a ’cello solo by Air Tiller. Then came a- duet bv Aliss Stcvcnton and Alls White.; a solo by Air Wood; a quartette by Aliss Steventon, Airs White, Air 0. White and .Mr Tiller; a solo by Aliss Trussing; and a duet by Aliss Knight and Air Wood. After the interval the second part opened with another chorus, “Oh, Hush Thee my Raliy” ; after which .Mr Wood rendered another solo; Miss Trussing and .Mrs White, a duet; Mr Tiller, ’cello solo. "Old Mother lfubbard” was given, by the quartette party, causing great amusement to the audience; a solo by Miss Trussing; with a “Laughing Chorus” as the last number. All of thy items were excellently rendered and presented such variety as to appeal to all present, both vocalists and instrumentalists being received with enthusiasm. The accompanists were Miss Knight, Airs King and Aliss Slevcntoii. Air T. Colitis in a happy little speech moved a vote of thanks to the visitors, who had given such a splendid evening’s entertainment, with special mention of Airs AVliite, who had spontaneously offered to organise the concert for the benefit of the Afapua Church. The chairman then presented ATrs White with a “bouquet” in the form of a box of beautiful Mapua apples. Air L. White briefly replied on behalf of Mrs White and the rest of the party, staling the pleasure they had enjoyed in coming out and giving the concert, and expressing a hope that they might be able to come again on a future occasion. The proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. Afterwards the visitors were entertained to supper before returning to town. “BRING AND BUY” A “Bring and Buy” afternoon was held in aid of Church Funds. A large gathering of people assembled and brisk business was done by the stallholders, who disposed of a great variety of articles, in addition to fruit, vegetables and other produce. Afternoon tea. was served, with a plentiful supply of Alapua’s “extra fancy” sandwiches and cakes. Vocal items were contributed by Airs Leslie Robinson, of Tasman, and Air Brunt, of Mahana, both of whom are favourites with local audiences.

The presence of Rev. W. Humble, of Granity (who was the predecessor of Rev. R. T. Dodds in the Tasman charge) and who was en route from attending the Tresbyterian Assembly in Wellington), together with Airs Humble and their two little sons, was a great pleasure to their many old friends at Mapua; giving an opportunity for handshake, with social chat and reminiscence.

In a brief speech, packed with' humour, Air Humble spoke appreciatively of the progress he observed in the Church and district, and the pleasure it gave him and Airs Humble to he once again amongst so many familiar old friends.

This very enjoyable afternoon, giving such a good opportunity for happy social intercourse might very well be repeated at a later date, with pleasure to all who are able to attend.

PROGRESS OF TOWNSHIP Building is quite brisk at Mapua at present. " A nice new house has just been built for Air Harold Thawley, who, with his bride, nee Miss Blanche, is now in residence there. In addition a number of residents have been enlarging and improving their homes. It is encouraging to see that in Mapua something is being done which provides work in this period of depression; if the apple market keeps firm to the end of the season, the money coming into the district as a result of' 'good prices, should circulate to the benefit of town and country alike; and fiivl employment for many who need it.

MISSION SERVICES During the past month a mission has been held in the Mapua School by Air Witty, of the Plymouth Brethren. Air Witty has been a missionary in India for a number of years. He lias been holding three services a week in Mapua delivering earnest, evangelistic addresses to attentive congregations, somo of whom travelled a considerable distance to be present. Air AVitty left last week for the North Island.