ANNIVERSARY SOIREE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1122, 19 June 1867, Page 5

ANNIVERSARY SOIREE.

ALBERT - STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. The anniversary Boiree in connection with, this Chapel was held last evening, when there was a good attendance, with a fair proportion of juveniles. Tho tea tables were well furnished, and ample justice was done to the good things provided. After tea the tables were cleared, and the audience having reassembled, the Eev. Mr. Harper took the chair. The proceedings were opened with the 285 th hymn, '• O Lord of Israel, by whose hand," by the cffoir. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, congratulated the meeting upon the comparatively large attendance, in spite of the inclemency of the weather and other drawbacks, and he apologised for the absence of several gentlemen who hud promised to address the meeting. He had found the climate of New Zealand most beneficial, and had met with mora cordial Christian friendship than he had anticipated. They would be rather startled perhaps when he informed them that upon statistics, which were thoroughly reliable, only half the church accommodation provided in this city was occupied, though thero was accommodation for a greater population than was contained in Auckland. It was a Christian work, in which they should unite to extend the influence of the Gospel, and disseminate religion. (Applause.) Choir: " The Lord hath prepared his Throne." _ The Rev. T. Booker then addressed the meeting on " Congregational Psalmody." He said the history of psalmody was of a very varied character, and he went on to explain the development of a system of congregational psalmody from a very ancient date up to the Reformation and the Puritanic period. This system, which had to some extent originated in a desire to enliven the often lengthy, and sometimes rather monotonous services, had given rise to many evils, which he was glad to say were gradually being reformed. The rev. gentleman went on to speak of the respective merits and excellencies of Rippon's and Walker's hymn books, as well as the Union tune book. Mr. Booker then referred to the efforts of "Wayte, l?ord, and Kirvin, for the improvement of psalmody, and the advances that had been made in this respect in England. Ho said that congregational psalmody should be of an inviting character, which could only be secured by practice and unity. He would even accept a liturgy if he could secure co-operation on the part of the congregation. (Applause.) Mr. Barton" addressed the meeting on " Amusements for the young of Christian Families" The speaker treated his subject in a very attractive and instructive light, and on the conclusion of his address ■was loudly applauded. Choir: " Jhosunnah." The Rev. D. Bruce next addressed the meeting on the subject of " Books, and how to read them." fCe said even the mere perusal of the titles of boolcs would prove beneficial, and it would make one acquainted with the particular book lie might require to consult for information on particular subjects. But in order to become properly acquainted with the nature of a book it was necessary, as in studying the character of an individual, to draw out its resources. The fpeaker commented, with considerable ability, displaying a deep acquaintance with various kinds of literature, upon the suitability of mind and temperament to particular kinds of books. Reading to bo beneficial, should be indulged in only when the mind was actively disposed to engage in the occupation, and it was not so much extensive as attentive and careful reading that conduced to intellectual improvement. But the great object of reading should be to develop the reflective powers, and to open ui> new trains of thought for oneself. Attention to the scope and aim of a writer would render reading permanently profitable, and the Bible and all books should be read with a spirit of earnestness, and an endeavour to acquire a unity of view of the wholo. lho Hev. B. McDonald addressed the meeting on the duty of Christian unity and sympathy. Mr. O. Daldy next addressed the meeting OH " The city we dwell in and the claims it has upon us." The speaker's remarks were of ft very humorous character, and were received with considerable approbation. Captain Daldy compared the_ present condition and progress of Auckland with what they •were 2S years ago, and remarked upon the claims Of tho city upon its inhabitants as Christians and citizens. He reminded the younger members of the audienco that the future prosperity of the city depended principally upon their exertions and character. Choir: " Resurrection." , Mr. Beaukdaii. nest spoke on " Colonial life, its dangers and advantages." He said in one district with which he was acquainted, the sett'ers employed their Sabbaths alternately in attending divine service, cattle hunting, and rifle shooting. He referred to the inadequate provision made for education in the out districts, and the temptations incidental to a bush life. He spoke of the advantages of colonial life for developing principles and habits of self reliance, industry, and perseverance ; fostering habits of independent thought and feeling; and for sharpening the intellect to the adaptation of means to ends. (Applause.) . The proceedings, which were unusually interesting, and which were enlivened by selections of sacred music creditably rendered by the Choir, were brought to a conclusion with the 98/ th hymn and the benediction. J