CONVERSAZIONE AT DUNTROON.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3970, 2 June 1885, Page 3

CONVERSAZIONE AT DUNTROON.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) The converaazone in connection with the Upper Waitaki church took place last night in the Dnntronn hall, which was kindly lent by Mr E. C. Smith, frre of charge. The meeting was a moat enjoy, able one. Amongst those present w>re the Rev. Messrs S'.even, Lindsay, Will, and Dr Macgregor. The hall, due to the tnstP and enwrey of Mr« Hay, BBBisted by Mesdames M'Kellar, Sutherland, Chalmers, and Misi M'Bean, was very prettily arranged with a great number of pioturei. Some of these weve very superior, and all of them most instructive. Besides pictures there were some very curious fossils lent by Mr Harris for the occasion. Others of the congregation also contributed to the collection. Altogether the hall looked bright and cheerful.

The Rev. P. S. Hay, pastor of the congregation, officiated as chairman, and the evening was commenced in the usual way by all those present singing the "Old Hundredth." The psalm having been «uag, Mrs Chalmers was died upon to play a pianoforte solo, to which she acceded by playing a selection from "Der Freiachutz," which was heartily received. Mr Hay then introduced Mr Will, who addressed the assembly and gave an instructive speech on " Procrastination," principally intended for the young, and, of course, gave something everyone could carry away with them. At the end of his speech he left one with tho Impression that he had still plenty of wool to spin, the threads from which one could spin into the harmony of a beautiful life, Mra Chalmers was again asked by the chairman to give another solo on tbe piano, and she gave •' The Blue Bells of Scotland," which was likewise well received.

Mr Hay then introduced Dr Macgregor to tbe audience, who trimmed our lamps and kept them burning brightly with a father's voice, and gave us simply and beautifully the patient working of a Christian life, put in the form of a sizoable farm. Whar was It? 100 acres? No, verily; ocly 15 iocbes, a baby, or as much work as ever one could do with strain, but not overstrained. This he gave as the cure for weeds in life, and the building up of the church. There was far too much irrational excitement on tbe Sabbath day, too much of the torrent in the keeping of the Sunday, likening life, as it should be, to the river with its rapids and reaches. The Sabbath day should bs like the quiet reaches in the river and so we gleaned some of the rich store from the mind of a father.

Mrs Nicolls followed with "True to the Last," whioh was received with pleasure. The children then received at the hands of Mesdames Hay, M'Kellar, Sutherland, and Miss M'Bean, of the good things provided by the ladies of the congregation. Mr Lindsay spoke at length upon the evila of ill temper, illustrating by anecdo'o of an amusing nature, how husband and wife could work out for themselves a Bucrsrful lasting happiness in considering the words, " Bear ye one another's burdens," &c. An interval for refreshments, provided on an ample scale and large tables, followed, gave variety and pleasure. Mrs Chalmers was again called upon and played "Faust" which gave apparent pleasure. Songs by the following gentlemen — Messrs M'Kellar, and Sinclair were given, and were well received j Mr Sin clair singing "My Nannie's Awa', " and " The Auld Scotch Sangs ;" Mr M'Kellar, "Nora, the Pride of Kildare." Mrs NicoHs a'ao gave another song, " Half Mast," which wps applauded. Mr Stevens, who next addressed tho«e present, as an old friend, was received heartily. He gave a striking contract between the ministers of the present day and those of a hundred years ago, showing in the past where the parson had to apply bis bands to get daily bread at bas-ket-making, beiide3 his holy calling. Mr Stevens'a speech was concluded by his giving a telling recitation called " William and Mary, " on the evils of lakiDg too much.

Tbe meeting then concluded with Mr Stringer propoaing a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had gen erally assisted in the pleasure of the evening. To add to the enjoyment of those present Mr Welsh, according to his everready good nature, kindly lent his very handsome piano.

I must not forget lo make mention, as an important part of the entertainment, of the " Temple of Science," which was in a corner of the hall, enclosed by crimson curtains, and which afforded information to most of those present. Junel.