MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5635, 8 December 1879, Page 2

MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

The annual soiree and concert of the Auckland Total Abstinence Society took place on on November 10, at the Teinpeiance Hall, Albert-street. Tea was on the table at 0.30, the tables being presided over by ladies connected with the society. After doing justice to the bounteous repast provided, those present prepared themselves for tho more intellectual proceedings of the evening. The Rev. Mr. Edger, president of tbu society, took the chair. Tho chairman made a neat introductory speech on topics cognate to the objects of the society, and then foliotvcd a musical entertainment, combined with speeches by tbe Rev. R. Taylor and Mr. Joshua Robinson, forming altogether a most pleasant evening's proceedings. The annual soiree of tho Primitive Methodist Sunday Schorvl, Alexandra-street, w.i a held on the 12th November. Tea was on the table at half-past eix o'clock. The followiug ladiee presided at the tables :— Mesdamea Leonard and Hall, Miaaes Smith, Long, Thwaits, Wood, Leech, Taylor, Goldie, and Lawford. After tea, the usual public meeting was held, the Rev. W. Long ia the chair. Uo said lie was very glad to see such a c'.iecrful meeting. Mr Squircll read the report, which waa very satisfactory. Mr. Gjldie (treasurer) read the balance sheet, which showed receipts for the year, £120 18s Gl ; expenditure, £125 4s 9d; debit bilance, £4 Gs 2d. Addresses were given by tho Uevd. Carrick, Smith, Driver and Dunn. Several selections were given during the evening by the choir, under the leadership of Mr. R. Tudehope. Mr. N. Barker presided at the harmonium. The members of tbe Otahuhu Rifle Volunteer Company held their annual ball, in the public hall, on the 10th of November. The affair, although not much paraded before the public, was a great success. Over 70 couples were present. The stewards worked bard to provide for the comfort and pleasure

of all present, and the unqualified expres- I sionaof approval shewed that their c ff.>rts I had not been in vain. Dancing commenced at S o'clock, and was indulged in till 12 o'clock, when supp:r was served up in excellent style, Lieuteoant Toms and riergeant Dixon being particularly mindful of the wants of their friends. After the needful interval dancing was resumed, and kept uo with unabated vigour till 3 o'clock. *Tho anniversary ball of tbe Auckland Licensed Victuallers' Association w.n held on November 13, in the Choral Hall. Tbe broken state of the weather of course operrated against the numerical success of tho gathering, but on the whole thero was a large attendance. The ladi«s were excellently dressed, and thus created a most pleasurable impres-Sion. Thorough enjoyment prevailed. Mr. Sniter offiniited as M.C. The string band of the Engineers supplied the necessary mU3ic in a most satisfactory manner, and the programme as a whole was carried oat faithfully. At midnight tbe company sat down to a spread, provided in excellent style by Mr. C. Burtou. After the viands had been disposed of, the toasts of "The Queen and the Governor" were successively proposed by the chairman, and "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers" by tho vice-chairman. Mr. Brophy and Major Burns responded to this toast. Major Burns referred to his long connection with the Volunteer movement, and his hopes of its future progress. The toast of " The Licensed Victuallers' Association" waa proposed, aud responded to by th-. chairman in a very brief speech, iu which be wuhed all proseut health and lnppiness, aud hop»d to see them all at the next ball of the association. The toast? of "The Ladies," thn Press," and "The Host" followed, after which dancing was resumed, a-id kept up till daylight. A literary, musical, and floral entertainment, in aid of St. Luk.'a Presbyterian Sibbath-school, was hold on Friday, Nov. 14, in the churcb, Kemuera. There was a good attendance There was a Urge muster of Sunday school children. Each of tho children had a bouquet of flowers, which, after the entertainment, they left, to be sent to tho hospital. The Rev. Mr. Monro occupied the chair. He said be was glad to see so many present, and hopnd the young folks wduld hi quiet. Songs, recitations, and readings were given by members of the ch rch. After the entertainment, bags of f; uit and sweet'iieats were handed round to the children. The articles worked by tbe scholars for the Sabbath-school Union Exhibition were on view during the evening, also a variety of curiosities from the Islauds, presented by tbe officers of H.M. s. Cormorant. The articles worked by the children WL-re too many and varied to enumerate. On Wednesday, November 12, the members of the church and congregation connected with the Bereaford-street Congrega'ional Church spent a very pleasant social ever.iig in the hall adjoining the church. After tea had beeu partaken of, the meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Robertson and Messrs. Wood, Daltly, Firth, and Ball. The subjects treated of were various and interesting, but prominent anumg them was a scheme for increasing the accommodation in the church and improving it 3 aooustio properties by the addition to it of a gallery— a proposal of which those present appeared heartily to approve. Before the moet'ng closed Mr. S. G. Burns presented to the Kev. J. liobertsou a very handsome silverplated tea urn. It had been purchased by the members of the pastor's Bible-e!a3s, and was presented to him by Mr. Burns iu their name as a token'of their love aud esteem for him. Tho urn bore a suitable inscription, and was much admired by all. In acknowledging the gift Mr. Robertson epoUe of tbe pi' a«ure he had found in conducting a class which had been useful to tbe young people around him. The meeting, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, was brought to a close about half-pa3t nine o'clock. The usual anuiversary servi jes and soiree in connection with the Paparoa Wesleyan Chapel were held on Sunday, Octobar 2G, and the day following. The occasion, as is usual, passed off iu a happy and successful manner. It seems to be, indeed, almost, as one of the speakers expressed it, not merely a chapal, but a settlement, anniversary, so general is the turn-out of the population. Additional eclat was imparted to this occasion by the presence of the Rev. G. W. Speuce, a Wesleyan minister lately from home, who will be stationed in the Wairoa division of tho Kaipara circuit. Mr. Spencn preached on Sunday, both morning and evening, alao talked to the Sunday-school scholars in the afternoon, and spoke at length at the public meeting on Monday eight. A concert in aid of tbe funds of the Whau Presbyterian Church was held in the hall on the 26th November. The chair was occupied by the Rev. R. Somin. rville, who stated that the annual soiree of his congregation had in past years been heli at this season, but the committee thought it would be better to work it into a soiree on the anniversary of his settlement at Whau—viz., the month of February. It was thought, however, that it would not be wise to dieappoint the friends who look for the annual social gathering about this time, so it was resolved to hold a "dry soiree" now, aud a more moist one, or one with tea, in February. But there was a difficulty in the case ; the Toices of the Whau vocalists were sweetly familiar, and without tea they would not be likely to draw a good house. To get over the difficulty it -was rvsolved to appeal to the large, efficient, and popular choir of >t. James'c. The appeal was immediately and heartily responded to, and a very interesting and attractive programme was the result. On November 27 the formal opening of a new school house, in the Lake district. was the occasion of a very pleasant and, notwithstanding the very stormy weather, well - attended entertainment. Ac six o'clock those present sat down to a very elegantly laid out - tea, at five tables, presided over by the following ladies : — Mrs. Wbitaker. Miss Mary O'Neill, Miss Mackay, Mrs. Mcatyard, Mrs. D. Mackay, Mrs. Seaman, Mrs. Meuarv, Mrs. H. Daorv, Mrs. Poynter, and Mrs. Warmoll. wing to the late arrival of some of the visitors, it was half-past 7 before the tables were cleared away, and the concert began. Mr. Seaman, who had been requested to take tho chair, opened the concert by a few remark?. The concert was then proceeeled with as follows:—A pianoforte overture bv the Miss s Whitaker. Song Uy Mr. A. E Brook. "Tell me, uhere do fairies dwell?" by the Missea Howard, two young ladies from Auckland, whose voices l.armonised very sweetly, and who were loudly applauded. " Floating on the Wind," a soug by Miss Mays, of the North Shore, who had a very powerful, and yet Vtry sweot, v.'ice. The Rev. Mr. Bates, of Devonport, delivered a brief address, in which ho advocated moral training—not simply as to punctuality, obedience, .and cleanliness — bufc lessons on houesty, truthfulness, and perseverance; and said that, from indications at home, there was every prospect of such a change. -Song, "Tbe Arab Steed," by Mr. Brook. Duet, "Very Suspicious," by Mis 3 Wylca and Mr. Hammond. The clever and spirited manner in wl.ich this humorous duet was rendered cannot be too highly praised. Song, by Mr. Hammond; "Home, Sweet Hume," by t>vo little cirls, pupils of Miss Seaman, on whose tuition th-y reflected tho highest credit by thiir performance on the piano ; " Two Roses," a glee, by the Orpheus Club ; " The Chapel," a glee, by tho Orpheus Club ; a brief address by the Rev. A. M. McCallum, of the Lake district Preabytorian Church ; " Lucrezia Borgia," a pianoforte solo, by Miss E. Smith ; a ramt exquisite piece of fine execution. "Good-niyht," by the Misses and Mr. Hammond ; " Beauteous Cloud," glee, by the Orpheus Club ; "Thy [•'ace/'.-i song, by Miss Miiya ; glee, by tho Orpheus Club. "The Skipper and Boy," sung with great feeling and expression by Miss Seaman. After this the National Anthem closed the concert. The co J t of the building was £420. A coec rt in aid of the funds of Christ's Church came o!T at Coromaudel on November '2S, iu the seliool-houeo, lower township. It was known some days before that tu-s committee were making very great exertions to have everything first-class, and after the success of Friday evening, those who ha 1 the work of g.'ttinn up the atlair must have been highly gratified. There can be no doubt the good people of Coromaudel have had a treat they will not soon forget Our old friend an I favourite Mrs. .Stanicr, who is a host in nurself, and Mrs. Page, another old friend, cunc from Auckland specially for the occasion. It is nee.ll ss co say they were rereu-ed enthusiastically. They were also very ably seconded by our best Ijcal talent. The following programme was well rendered throughout:—Overture, Miss Kidd; glee, " Lordly Gallants," by the company ; " The Sea is England's Glory," Mr. Panter; " When Sparrows Build," Mrs. Stanier; "Let Mo Like a Soldier .Fa'l," Mr. Gentil; "Home Again," Miss Callaway; "Jly Grandfather's Clock," Mr. Midwinter; "Carrisaama," Mies Coupland; "Half Mast High," Mrs. Gibba ; " British Lion," Mr. Gibbs; "See Our Oars," by the com- I

pany. -After a short int.rval, the second part was oommenced by-the company sing-> ing "Breathe Soft Vβ Winds"; "Break, Break " Mr. Gentil; "Mother Woold Comfort Mβ," Miss Oillaway; "Thy Face," Mrs. Page ; "Oh Sing That Song Again," Mrs. Stanier; "Flowers of Frieudsbip," Miss Bennett; " All the Same to Sam," Mr. Gibbs; g'ee, " Fairies," company. The national anthem brought a very pleasant evening to a close. The annual gathering of the Wesleyan Methodist Sunday-schouls in the Auckland circuit, was held on November 23, in the Theatre Royal. According to advertisement the service was to commence at three o'clock, and by that hour the spacious buildincr W as crowded to excess. The Kev. \V. Morley, PresHent of the Conference, presided ; and on the platform beside him were various clergymen belonging to the denomination. The following schools were represented -.—Pitt street, Parnell, Grafton Rnad, Ponsonby, and North Shore. Addresses were delivered by the Kev. L Isitt and the Rev. W. Watkin respectively, in which in a homely and affectionate style they gave some excellent counsel to the large assemblage of children gathered before them. During the service the children sang several hymns in a very piecing vaanner under the able coiiductorship of Mr. Ryan, who had taken the pains to train them at their several schools for the anniversary. A collection was taken up amounting to £11 Sa; after which the children san", in excellent time, the parting hymn, "They are waiting for the coming," which, with the benedition, by the Uev. W. Morley, closed one of the most interesting githenngs of school children which has been held for some time. . On 2Gth Nov. a grand vocal and instrumental concert with a drama took place in the Catholic school-room, Pakeko'ne West, lne Pukekohe Minstrels gave their able assistance on the occasion. The hall was tastefufly decorated with ferns, evergreens, flowers, &c, which gave 0 pleading app aranco to the building. There were about 500 persons present. A platform v.as erected by Mr. Fatiick Walsh to accommodate the performers, who went through tber respective parts with good judgment au.l precision. The Very Rev. Dr. MuDonald addressed theaudience. Hepassedawell-merite.l c.>mp'imenttoMi*s Margaret Sag<', ihezealous and iiid-fatigabli te.cher of the Catholic school, for the manner in which she prepared her pupils.who executed with much taste the p-irts of the dramatic perforuwuce allotted to them. The music was really first-chss The piano was presided over by Miss PUkey, of Pukekohe ; Miss Constable, of Waiuku ; and Miss Wright, of PukeUohe. lhere wore three violin?, well managed by Mr. William Watson. Mr. Hioseu, aud Mr. Samuel Miller. During the evening, there were several choice song* well rendered, by several ladies and gentl.men. Amongst the former being Miss Margaret Sage, Miss Mary Leicester Rogers, Miss Margaret Kelly, Miss Mary Sheridon. Kefreshineuts were served up in abundance, by Mrs. McCaffery, Mrs. Forbes, Mrs. Hicke3% Miss MaeShean, Mrs. Hogan, and Miss Catherine Mcßride, who were incessant in attending to the wants of the audi.nce. Amongst the audience was an Arawa Chief of the Tuhouraugt tribe, from Kotokakahi. Uo took a very lively interest in the night's entertainment. The concert closed with the National Anthem. Upon the whole it was most successful, and will be long remembered with feelings of pleasure by those who were present. At the Driving Creek School, Coromandel, entertainments for the benefit of the funds of the school came off on the 24th of November. A large and varied programme was gone through. Some of the singing was excellent, but the treat of the evening was a short comedy ("A Slight Mistake') by the young lady pupils of the school. The make-up and acting were remarkably good, and might have done crrdit to tnnch oklei persons. The Philosophic Landlady (Miss Bury) was "done" to the life, while Lady Priuce Proudly (Miss Bowdeu) gave one a very good portrait of our upstart aristocracy. Eosina (M:s* j Thode) gave her cousin, the landlady, some I very severe rubs in her sarcastic speeches, and Miss K. Andrew, as Sarsnet, was a very pert, fashionable maid, but the make uo and acting of Miss Keary, as dame Dorothy, were inimitable. Each one know her partThe performance went off withont a hitch, and the audience were thoroughly pleased. On Friday, 2Sth November, the Rev. W. Taylor delivered a lecture on " Heads and Hearts," in the Temperance and Public Hall, Waiuku Mr. Caleb Hosking was called to the chair, and in a few appropriate remarks introduced the lecturer. The rev. lecturer, on rising, said he was not discouraged at the small audience present. He tirst spoke of men as inventors, and of the discoveries which they had made. Fie spoke of the great men—warriors, statesmen, men of science, poets, mathematicians, historians, logicians, engineers, aud many othere, on each for a considerable time. Frequently, during the course of the lecture, he was warmly applauded. Mr. G. H. Green proposed a vote of thanks to the rev. lecturer, which was carried by acclamation. A similar vote, on the motion of Mr. S. Hodge, seconded by Mr. W. J. King, was accorded to the choir. After singing the doxology the meeting dispersed. A grand entertainment was given at Bombay on Xovember 2S, in the Bombay school-room, by Mr. P. Doran'a Albert Variety Troupe. The first part commenced with Mr. Love singing in grand style one of the latest songs of the day. Both first an I second parts concluded with laughable farces, both of which were well appreciated b> all in the room, which was very well filled, although no doubt if longer notice had been given, there would have been a great many more present. The third part, as usual, was dancing, and it was kept up with great spirit till the small ho >rs of morning. At the el<se, all seemed to home well satisfied with their night's amusement. The seventh annual concert of St Luke's Church, Mount Albert, took place on 2nd December, and was held in a barn belonging to Mr. A. K. Taylor, which was most tastefully fitted up for the occasion. Flags were festooned around. At one end a very neat little stage was erected, and the loft and top of the carriage-shed transformed in a most ingenious manner into a gallery, which was well fill-d. There were alto gether about 175 persons present, and all -earned to enjoy thems-lves thoroughly, filtering heartily into the spirit of the occasion. A very pleasant soiree was hold at Pateraugi on beh-Uf of the Sunday-school fund", in the School, on December 3. Amongst the ladies presiding were the Mesdames Ryburn, Smith, Scott, Maunder, and Misses Macky. Mr. Ma<:ky presided at the meeting hold after tea, the Rev. J. Bruce opening it wit'i prayer. Songs, recitations, and addresses were given, and the choir, with harmonium accompaniment, inturspersed selections of Moody and Sankey's hj mns. A sum of £G was netted. Tne annual meeting of the Papakura C.C. was held on the 14th November, —Mr. W. Shanaghan in the chair. The accounts showed receipts to have been £14 14e 21 ; payments, £14 43 2d, leaving a balance of 10i to credit of the present year. The following officers wore elected :—Messrs. D. MsLeunan, P. MuClymont, T. J. Cole, S. Brown, and H. J. Willis, committee of management; Mr. W. Shanaghau, secretary and treasurer.