TEMPERANCE SOIREE AT PARNELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1400, 13 May 1868, Page 4

TEMPERANCE SOIREE AT PARNELL.

Ybßtebdi.t evening the members of the Total Abstinence Society belonging to b.s. Brisk gave a soiree at the Parnell Hall, in return for-one which was ■ given to them Borne time ago by i the teetotaller* of Auokland iri' the Newton Hall. The tailors themselves provided a substantial Wpftitj to

which the members of the various Bands of Hope and their friends, to the number of nearly five hundred, sat down and did ample justice. Indeed, so well did the youngsters play their part at this portion of the entertainment that the clearing away of the frugmenfca was almost a eiDecure. VFe must not omit to mention the very tasteful manner in which the hall was decorated. In the porch a large blue banner was wuspended, inscribed with an appropriate dcvice, whilo over the door inside was placed an illuminated view ot the Brisk, with tho North Shore in the distance. 'I he stage at the upper end Gf the. Hall was d( corated at each of the wings with evergreens, and an appropriate motto was suspended in tho centre. A couple of very large blue cnsignß hung in festoons in front of the stage, while the walls were completely covered with ensigns and Union Jacks, interspersed with "banners bearing appropriate motto-'. Flags of the co nmercial and naval codes were hung in festoons from the ceiling. Altogother th' ; i scene was a most striking and pleasing one, and an air of hilarity »nd cheerfulness to the meetirg. To decorate the hall in this manner must have given the gallant tars a vast amount ot labour, and does them great credit, and they, on their part, must have been very much gratified with tho hearty manner in which tho Auckland people met them last evoning. After tea was over some little time was spent in removing the tables and firraneins: tho seats when the Captain of tile Brisk was uui!<ja tho chair. The proceedings then commenced by singing the hymn ■' Father from thy throne of splendour," after which Mi. Kdger engaged in prayer. Tho Chairman - then delivered an appropriate address, after which many of the friends of the causa addressed the meeting. The proceedings were brought to a cloße at an l advanced hour.