MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5060, 4 February 1878, Page 2

MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

The half-yearly general meeting of the shaieliolders in the Auckland Gas Company (Limited) was held in the company's offices on Jan. 2S, when au interim dividend of 7s Gd per share was declared. The twenty-eighth half-yearly report of the directors of the Union Sleam Saw Moulding ■Sash aud Door Company (Limited) was submitted to a meeting of shareholders on Jan. 22, held in the .New Zealand Insurance Company's building at 3 o'clock. A dividend at the rate of 20 per cent, was declared. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr. J. Howard was re-elected director. After a vote of thauks had been passed to the chairman, the meeting separated. The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Bay of Coal Co. (Limited) was hold on Jan. 2$ ; Dr. J. L. Campbell in the chair. The Secretary (Mr. GiUillaii) read the minutes of the last general meeting, also the reportand balance-sheet for the past 3'ear. The report states that the total amount of coal sold during the year was 30,260 tons, being the largest quantity sold in one year since the commencement of the company's operations, aud exceded last year's sale by 4720 tons, an increase of 305 tons per month. A dividend was declared at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum on the capital of £20,000. Uu the motion of Mr. R. Keesing, seconded by Mr. J. C. Firth, Dr. Campbell and Mr. T. Russell were re-elected directors. Messrs. Batger and T. L. White were re-elected auditors.

The new district school recently erected in Wcllealey-street East was formally opened on 24tli Januyry, by Mr. J. H. Burns (chairman of City fiast School Committee), in the presence of a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen, and of pupils. The children were seated at their respective desks in the central room of the building, while the ladies and gentlemen occupied seats immediately in front and on both sides of a dais on which were seated the chairman (Mr. J. H. Burns) and the other members of the school committee. Amongst the gentlemen present were Mr. H. U. Lusk, Dr. Campbell, Mr. D. M. Luckie, and Mr. F. L. Prime (members of the Hoard of Education), Colonel Haultain ; also, several clergymen aud many of the school teachers resident in Auckland. The proceedings were commenced with the declaration by the Chairman of the formal opening of the school for teaching. Mr. Burns then spoke in complimentary terms of the manner in which the architect of the building (Mr. Herapath) and the contractor (Mr. Matthews) had performed their respective works, and to the highly satisfactory way in which the school had ahvays been conducted by Mr. Henry Worthington, the head-master. Addresses were delivered by Mr. H. H. Lusk, Mr. D--M. .Luckie, Mr. P. A. Philips, and the Revs. C. M. Kelson, A. W. Webb, and J. Robert, son.

A most excellent concert was given at Onehunga on 18th January, in aid of the local Benevolent Society, which was well patronised, and benefited the funds to the ■ixtent of £12. Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Woolley, and Miss Vaughan kindly gave their

valuable assistance j ATr. Surnham and Mr. Gradwell also contributed some songs, which were highly appreciated* Some local talent helped to fill np the first portion of the programme. After an interval the curtain rose to the comic operetta ot' " Wanted a Parlour Maid," in the presentation of which Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Woolley, Mrs. Carter, and Miss Vaughan, gave immense satisfaction, and "brought down the house." A lecture in aid of a local object was delivered by Mr. Justice Gillies on " Our Laws," in the Public Hall, Waikworth, on Thursday evening, the 24th January. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and there was a good attendance. On the motion of Mr. Cutler, seconded by Mr. L. Thomson, the Rev. R. McKinney was called to the chair. Mr. McKinney, in a few remarks, introduced the lecturer, who delivered a eapital lecture. Mr. A. Campbell, in happy and complimentary terms, moved a vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was seconded by Mr. W. P jMoat. Pursuant to notice Dr. Sotaerville gave on the 17th January, in the Theatre Royal, a lecture entitled, " The Bible for the World." Mr. J. 0. Firth occupied the chair. The audience was the largest one ever assembled within any building in the city of Auckland. The dress-circle was crowded to excess, as were likewise the stalls, the pit, the stage (upon which platforms were placed), the orchestra seats, the passages, and in fact every part of the edifice from which a hearing could be obtained. It is computed that no less than 2200 persons were present. Upon the stage were seated the following clergymen The Ven. Archdeacon Maunsell, .Revs. D. Bruce, A. W. Webb, G. B. Monro, A. G. Purchas, J. Robertson, J. A. Caygill, E. Sommerville, 11. F. Macnicol, P. Mason, A. VV. Carrick, J. Hobbs, B. J. Westbrooke, R. ISurrowes, and Dr. Wallis. The proceedings having been commenced in the ordinary manner, the chairman rose and delivered a short opening speech. Dr. Somerville then delivered an able and eloquent lecture on "The Bible for the World," but our space forbids even the most meagre outline of it. The reverend lecturer sat down amidst loud and prolonged applause. On the proposition of Air, F. Larkins, a vote of thanks was accorded the chairman, who returned thanks, and then proposed a similar compliment to the Doctor. It was given with the utmost enthusiasm. The siugiug of a hymn and of the Doxology brought tho proceedings to a close.

Au entertainment to supplement the funds of the Christian Doctrine Society, tookplacein the Lorne-street Hall on Jan. 10. Despite the heavy and continuous rain, there was an excellent attendance. Revs. Father Fynes, V.G., Walter Macdonald, J. O'Dwyer, and Grange were present during the evening. The programme was well selected, and nearly all the pieces were loudly encored. Mr. Martin Swallow kindly undertook the direction of the musical portion. Jli3 execution on the piano of " The Cardinal's March" (his own composition) was much admired, and elicited prolonged applause. Mr. Smith's rendering of the "Downfall of Wolsey " showed that great care and attention was bestowed on its preparation, aud met with marks of approval. Mr. Mahon, on behalf of the Christian Doctrine Society, expressed his thanks both to the audience for their attendauce, and to the ladies and gentlemen who had so kindly assisted on the occasion.

A large and fashional>le , garden party was given by Mrs. Cowie at Bishop's Court, on 9th Jan. The guests, numbering several hundreds, a considerable majority being ladies, were brought together under propitious circumstances and all the essentials to success—namely, lino weather, good grounds, aud a good band—being available, a very agreeable afternoon was spent. Refreshments were provided, as well as croquet, badminton, &c., and Bishop and Mrs. Cowie did all in their power to afford pleasure to their numerous guests. Among those present were Archdeacon Mauusell, and several clergymen of the Church of England, liev. D. Bruce (Presbyterian), Hon. F. Whitakcr, Mr. Swainson, Mr. Header Wood, Dr. Camp bell, Colonel Nation, and many other leading citizens.

The young ladies who work at Mr. Breda's etablishmcnt in Shortland-street were treated on Jan. 15, by their employer to a picnic to which eash young lady was accorded the privilege of inviting a companion of the other sex. The steamer Te Aroha had been chartered to convey the excursionists to Motuihi, which was accordingly done, the party leaving the Wharf at 9 a.m. The island was reached at II a.m., and after lauding little time was lost by the ladies and their attendant squires in improving mean 3 of amusement. Kiss in-the ring anil similar games were iu high favour, while dancing was also engaged in. A special feature in the day's pleasantry was the performance of the Arabian box mystery, and of the aerial suspension by Professor and Madame Henuikie. Thoroughly pleased with the result of the day's outing, aud grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Breda for the efforts put forth by them to add to the general enjoyment, the party (numbering about SO) re-embarked at 9.30 p.m., aud gained the Queen-street Wharf two hours later.

Tlio children of St. Mary's Sunday-school, Parnell, held their annual school feast in the Domain on 14th January. They were in charge of the Yen. Archdeacon Mauusell, Mrs. John Kissling, Mr. Dyer, Mr. E. Robertsliaw, and the teachers of the school. There were about 200 children present. Service was held in St. Mary's Church at 11 a.m. beforo starting. At 12.30 the children weie regaled with a substantial luncheon, and tea was served at 5 o'clock. The day was spent in cricket, racing, and athletic games by the boys, and less energetic pastimes were improvised for the girls. An industrial exhibition of a most varied character—varied, that is, in the exhibits— was held on 24th Januyry, in the Roman Catholic school-room, which stands almost on the borders of the Lake. This exhibition was amost undoubted success, and the visitors, who mustered in large numbers throughout the day, were loud in praise of the efforts of the children, as manifested by their work. The value of exhibitions such as these has long been appreciated in the old country, as it is found they afford a stimulus to the rising generation to devote their attention to subjects which inafter life may lead to higher things. I'lie exhibits, which were many, atul we must add, good, consisted of needlework, designs in woolwork, ornamental articles, shellwork, models of ships (one by a boy twelve years old being particularly well executed), aud various other things, including exhibits of flowers grown by the children themselves, or rather produced by them from plants previously given by Mrs. Whitaker. In fact, to the kindness of Mrs. Whitaker, and the interest taken by her in the welfare of the children of the district, is the success of the exhibition due ; and the vote of thanks proposed by the Rev. J. Bates, who was present during the day, was thoroughly agreed tc by all present. The Misses Whitaker (2), Miss Wray, Miss Seaman, Air. Seaman, and the Rev. J. Bates are also deserving of the thanks of the friends of the children for their services which they have rendered in eonnecction with tlie exhibition. The children attending the Devonport, Stokes Point, aud Takapuna schools present, each received a gift from Mrs. Whitaker, besides the prizes given to the successful competitors. The room was decorated with pictures and evergreens, and the children treated to tarts, buns, and other confections. We hope this exhibition will not be the last of its kind, as it was really good, and what is more, well conducted. The following children received prizes :—A. Burrell (2), Harry Cameron, .Fred, Brown, Walter Brown, .Eleanor Cameron, Harriet Burgess, Kate Burgess, Eleanor Bates, Elizabeth Patteson, Ellen Nicholson, Amy Williams, Mary Ann Hynes, Margaret Hyncs, Alice Gerrard, Mary Gerrard, Eva Yeoman, Amy Yeoman, Joseph Buchanan, W. Bucliauan, Ada Ward, Percy H. Wood.