MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6256, 5 December 1881, Page 2

MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

The Annual Flower Show, in connection with the Kaukapakapa school, took place in the school-room on the -Ith November. Tho weather was everything that could be desired, and there was a fine turn out. The grouping and arrangement of the (lowers, and the floral designs, showed marked improvement. It was originally intended to give only one prize for the best four roses, but the judge (Mr. Hay, juu., of the firm of Messrs. Hay and Son, nurserymen, Auckland) had some difficulty in deciding, so he kindly gave a second and third prizes. The additional prizes given by Mr. Hay were most appropriate, being six assorted roses and four assorted roses respectively. The doors were open for visitors at half-past 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and an entertainment took place in the evening. The chair was occupied by Mr. K. Sinclair, when an excellent programme was gone tlu-oii'di, consisting of vocal anil instrumental music) and readings and recitations. The arrangements were carried out under the manage- | ment of Mr. Murray, head-teacher, who j spared no pains to make the show what it turned out to be—a success. Tiie pecuniary object of the show was to raise. I funds to purchase prizes for the examination

which will take placo at the Christmas holidays. The proceeds amounted to £9 13s, out of which several of the prizes for the Flower Show will have to be deducted. A minister's tea party, to which _all the members of the Bible classes were invited, to the number of fifty-four, came off at Maungakaramea. The tea was partaken of in the open air, under the shade and shelter of some of the forest, trees,. which, had been transferred for the occasion from the bush to the ground surrounding the church. The day was moat favourable, and everything went off well, to the great satisfaction of every one concerned. The pretty church was well filled by the parents and friends of the members of the Bible classes at the evening meeting, which was presided over by Mr. Flower. The evening's entertainment consisted of sacred songs from Sankey's songs and solos, and duets by four young friends, members of the Bible class, some'paperK, of the reader's own composition on various religious subjects, and recitations by others. Mr. Kirk made a neat speech on behalf of the members of the Bible classes, in which he conveyed to Mr. Hiding, the minister, the feelings and sentiments entertaiued by the youug people towards him. Mr. Riding feelingly replied. Mr. Shepherd spoke a few words of encouragement to the young people. The 9 th November was observed as a public holiday, and the whole community literally turned out for pleasure-seeking. From morn to eve, the Ferry Company's steamers were crowded with passengers, going to and coming from the North Shore. It is estimated that one-half more visitors went to that favouiite locality than had ever gone on any previous holiday, which is proof that the public appreciate the reduction of fares. At Ellerslie there were about 5000 persons on the ground, most of whom went by rail. The Domain, Remuera, Mount Eden, and Shelly Beach had also their quotas of holiday-makers. Most of the places of business had flags flying, while the shipping was profusely decorated. The weather was magnificent, a pleasant breeze tempering the rays of the sun. Iu the evening, the several places of public amusement were well patronised, and nothing occurred to mar the pleasure of the day. Gn the Prince of Wales' Birthday a tea- ' meeting took'placo in the school-room of the Industrial Home, in connection with the Band of Hope formed at that institution. About 150 children sat down. Mr. D. Goldie presided. Among those present taking an interest in the children's pleasures were : Colonel Haultain, Captain and Mrs. Daldy, Rev. Joseph Long. Mr. Frith and family, and Mesdames Neal, Morley, and Herapath. After tea an entertainment took place, when songs and recitations were given in a very creditable manner. Mr. Frith and family sang several pieces, and also the children of the°Home. Amusements of various kindß were also provided for the children by friends of the institution, and the little ones spent altogether a very enjoyable evening. The Prince of Wales's Birthday opened at Ivamo with thorough Queen's weather, —a cloudless, blue sky, a brilliant sunshine, and just sufficient breeze to temper the heat. The heavy rain on the 7th November washed the face of Nature, aud made the verdure look fresh and bright. Holiday folk were early astir, gay in all the brilliancy of new clothes. Beyond the preparation on the racecourse very little was showing that high holiday was to be kept to-day, except a few gay flags fluttering gaily in the breeze from the new residence of Mr. M. Whitelaw. The morning train from Whangarei, due at 5.30, brought a fair sprinkliug of visitors, including the gallant rank aud file of the Whangarei Volunteers, who fell in near the station and inarched in martial array through the township to the racecourse, headed by Mr. M. Whitelaw, in fine Highland costume, enlivening the proceedings with— '•The pllbroch" that thrills

Savage ami shrill. It was a matter of much surprise that the band did not accompany the Volunteers, and loud were the complaints among the fair sex that music during the sports was conspicuous by its absence. The day's sports commenced soon after 9.30, when a good programme was presented for the amusement of the visitors, and successfully carried out. The whole day's sport passed oft' pleasantly, and was atteuded by a fair concourse of spectators. The Volunteers were under the command of Major Withers and Captain Aldcrton. In the evening, a concert was fiiven by the Kumo Minstrel Trupe, in the Public-hall, at which Mons. E. F. Cailliau, of Auckland, assisted, followed in due course by the inevitable dance. A grand ball took place in the Public-hall, Wairoa South, on November 10, under the auspices of the bachelors of the district. There was a splendid turn-out of the fair sex. The music was supplied by Miss McCaskill, Miss Dow, Mips Vaughan, and Mr. McDonald, of Otahuhu. Mr. R. A. Coutts acted as M.C., and performed the onerous duty to the satisfaction of all. The last monthly entertainment of the season was held in the school-room, Papakura, on Friday, 11th November, and was a complete success. The Misses Blake from Druiy, and ladies and geutlemen from other parts, rendered valuable aid, and merited the thanks which they received. The members of the Baud of Hope and Good Templars came prominontly forward, both as vocalists and reciters, and with selections from Henry IV. the programme was concluded. The Rev. T. Norrie .announced that the results of these entertainments had been financially good, and on behalf of the library committee thanked the persons who had contributed to the eujoyment both that evening and in the past.

The third annual meeting of the Paparoa Mutual Improvement Association passed oft" in a successful manner. After the members had enjoyed tea together, the doors were thrown open to the public, and the meeting commenced. The president (Rev. C. Abernethy) occupied the chair. The report showed a membership of 34, with an average attendance of about half that number. During the year about twenty fortnightly meetings had been held, at which 11 original essays had been read, as well as considerable practice in elocution and public speaking engaged in. The treasurer's report Bhowed a balance to the good. Appropriate addresses were delivered by Messrs. Wilson, Wright, Riding, Hobley, J. Hames, &c. Readings and recitations by Messrs. J. H. Trounson, R. Hames, and G. Wilson. But the gem of the evening was a seven-part recitation given by a coterie of young ladies. The officers elected for the ensuing year were as follows :—President : Rev. C. Abernethy ; vice-presidents : Mr. J. Redfern and Mr. T. W. Wilson ; treasurer: Mr. Davis ; secretaries : Messrs. L. Hames and R. Hames.

The Mahuraugi Choral Society gave their second concert on Friday, Nov. 11, in the Mahurangi Public-hall, Warkworth, and were honoured with a very flattering reception and full house. The hall on this occasion had been tastefully decorated by the lady members with nikau and wreaths and bunches of flowers, and presented a very pretty appearance. The glees, under the conductorahip of Mr. C. N. McMurdo, were well sung, evidently great pains had been taken in their preparation. Of the glees, " The Fairies " was undoubtedly the gem of the evening, and being encored, the society responded by singing " Oberon." The song, " Midshipmite," by Mr. Clayton, was very well sung, and a repetition was demanded. Miss Warin, Mr. McMurdo, Mis 3 Krippuer, Miss A. Southgate, Miss Boweo, Miss F. Southgate, Mr. A, Campbell, Miss Rattray, and Messrs. J. Lowe and H. McKinney and others, helped to make the musical portion a real success.

The quarterly meeting of the Otahulm Band of Hope Mas held in the Temperaucehall, 011 November 14. It is pleasing to notice the growing interest the public arc taking in this institution. The meetings are better attended from time to time. The tables were superintended by Mrs. Pikett, Mrs. Tanlicld, Mrs. Stringer, Mrs. Whitmore, the Misses Goodwill, and Phiar. After justice had been done to the good things so liberally provided, the entertainment began with an excellent address from the president of the band, the Rev. John Maoky, who referred, in feeling terms, to Mr. Tanfield, the originator of the institution, 1576, and who is leaving the district for Auckland. During the evening the President in a very appropriate speech, presented Mr. Tanfield with a very handsome timepiece on behalf of the members ot the Band of Hope, as a token of their esteem and regard. The Secretary also read an address in which it was expressed that they hoped he would long be spared to carry on the good work in his now sphere. Mr. Tanlicld replied that in anything he had done while in Otaliului, he had done from the pleasure iL all'ordcd him, as well as from a sense of duty in trying to do whatever good he could. The Kov. G. Bond gave a humourous and instructive speech. A vote of thanks to the chairman, and threo cheers for Mr. Tanlicld, brought a very pleasant meeting to a close.

Tlic annual exhibition under the auspices of the Whangarei County Fanners' Club, was held on November 10, at Kamo, in the stockyard and paddocks of Mr. Thos. Wakclin, and was a great success.

ThoSpringExhibitionoftheAucklandHorticultural Society was opened on the 16th November in the Choral Hall. The weather was magnificent,' and the attendance large. Among the visitors-present were the Hon., the Attorney-General aud Mrs. Whitaker, His Worship the Mayor and Mrs. Clark, Sir George Grey, Mr. D. L. Murdoch, Mr. J. C. Firth, and other gentlemen. During the afternoon the City Band, under Bandmaster Tmpey, playecr-so'me choice musical selections in the grounds of Government House adjacent. There was a gratifying increase in the number of exhibits, there being about one-third more than last year, and the show may therefore be regarded as highly successful. The secretary (Mr. T. F. Cheeseman), on whom a large portion of the labour of placing and arranging the exhibits has fallen, is entitled to the thanks of the exhibitors and the public for the painstaking way in which he performed his task. It may be noted that with an increase in the number of the exhibits there is also an increase in their excellence, but there is still a margin for improvement. The Show was continued on Thursday, and, although the attendance was not quite so large as on the previous day, it was sufficient to show that the committee were wise in selecting the Choral Hall for the exhibition, and to prove that the show was more attractive than on former occasions. Indeed, in the opinion of experts, exhibitors, and others, it was themost successful show of the kind that has ever been held in Auckland, and, financially, a most unqualified success.

The last meeting of the session of the Auckland Institute was held on November 17, at which a list of new members and of donations to the Museum were read. The following are the names of the papers read and discussed:—"New Species of Coleoptera," by Captain Broun; "Occurrence of the Australian Dollar Bird in New Zealand," by Mr. T. F. Cheeseman ; " Notes on Various Subjects," by Mr. James Baber; "Percentage of Citric Acid in Limes Grown in Auckland, "by Mr. J. A. Pond; Judge Maning's paper on the "Maui;" "On the Shores of the Unknown," by Mr. A. E. Mackechnie. Previous to the meeting adjourning the Chairman drew attention to the valuable Eaintings recently contributed to the Museum y Mr. Mackelvie, and proposed a vote of thanks to that gentleman, which was passed with acclamation.

On Nov. 20, after Church, a meeting of the Ruatangata congregation was held, the Rev. Mr. Cubitt presiding, at which the Chairman of the Committee read a report of its doings and the following balance-sheet:—Expendi-ture : Harmonium, £12 10s ; timber, £7 lis; oil and paint, &c, £2 5s 6d; painting, lining, &c, £5 Ss 6d : total, £27 15s. Receipts : Subscriptions collected, £26 0s 6d ; leaving a small deficit of £1 14s 6d. This amount is due to Mr. MilliDgton, who kindly advanced it to the committee.

An important meeting of the Chamber of Commerce (special) was held on Nov. 21, to consider the terms of a letter by Mr. T. T. Gamble, agent in Auckland for the Pacific Mail Company, offering, on behalf of the company, a free passage and expenses of a delegate from the New Zealand Chamber o Commerce to Washington, to represent to the Committee of Congress the advantages to be derived by the trade of the United States aud the colony, from a reduction of duty on wool imported to the States. On the motion of Mr. T. Peacock, seconded by Mr. Oppenheimer, it was resolved to forward the letter with an invitation to the other Chambers in carrying out the proposal made by the writer on behalf of the Pacific Mail Company. The question is one of great commercial importance, and deserves the attention of the public.

The bazaar in aid of the fund to pay off a portion of the debt connected with St. Matthew's Parish, was opened on Nov. 24 by His Lordship the Bishop of the Diocese (Dr. Cowie) with an address. The weather was most unfavourable, a steady downpour of raid continuing from the time the doors were open until the close. The bazaar was concluded on the 29th November. A mixed entertainment was given, and that source of joy, Mrs. Jarley's Waxworks, to the satisfaction of a large audience. A good busiuess was done in the early part of the evening. At S o'clock Mr. George Sibbin, auctioneer (the colonial George Rollins), disposed of the balance of goods remaining on hand in his usual humorous style. Considering the unpropitious weather during the greater part of the time the bazaar has been open the promoters are very well satisfied with the pecuniary result.

The annual soiree of the Grafton-road Wesleyan Sunday - school took place at the Grafton-road school on the 24th November. In consequence of the inclemency of the weather the attendance was not so large as was expected. The Rev. W. C Oliver opened the proceedings with prayer, and then called on Mr. T. McMaster, superintendent of the school, to take the chair (after ample justice had been done to the good things provided), and, at the meeting held in the church, he made a few remarks on the nrgeucy of sympathy from parents for the Sunday - school work. He then called on the secretary, Mr. Gatland, to read the report, which showed that the morning school had an average attendance of between 30 and 40; afternoon, average from 100 to 110; names on the roll, 169, with a staff of 21 teachers. There is also a Band of Hope in connection with the school, with 70 names on the roll; and a library of 600 volumes. Alter paying all expenses there is a credit balance of over £3. The collections amounted to over £7.

The complimentary concert given to Mr. H. Rowlands, of Waipu, was a success in every way. The principal movers in the getting up of the affair were Messrs. D. McLeod, J. Mayall, and lacy, but all did their best to make it a success. Eight ladies and four gentlemen took part in the glees, which were well rendered, Miss Emma McKenzie presiding at the piano. The following ladies took a prominent part : Misses Annie McMillan, E. McKenzie, Mary Ann and Willina McKay, Margaret and Jessie McLeod, Hannah Ross, and HughenaMcKennon. Mr. Rowland expressed his sincere thanks to all concerned, not only for the handsome sum handed to him, but for the very kind consideration that induced the parties to take the matter in hand.

Notwithstanding the inclement weather of November 24, the concert in connection with the church of St. John the Baptist in the Northcote hall was very fairly attended. The hall was tastefully decorated with ferns and flowers. Several ladies and gentlemen from Auckland and Devonport took part in the concert, and gratified the audience with their cultivated singing and playing.

A fancy dress ball which, notwithstanding the unfavourable weather, was a very great success, was held on November 24 in the Mount Albert Hall. A considerable number attended from Ponsnnby and the city, arriving in omnibuses, carriages, &c, much to the surpriso of the promoters, who looked forward to a failure, on account of the continuous downpour of rain.

The seventh annual steeplechase and hurdlo races in connection with tho Pakuranga Hunt Club came off on Novembsr 26. The several events were well contested and a good day's sport was the result.

In connection with the anniversary services of the Mount Albert Wesleyau Church, a soiree was held there on the 29th November, when, in addition to the regular attendants of the church, many members of other denominations in the district, and a considerable number of friends from town were present. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Garlick, Mitchell, Rauderson, Stone, Turk, Astley, Kemp, and Schnackenburg.

Tho annual examination of St. Patrick's convent schools was held on November 30. The Very Rev. H. J. Fynes, V.G., presided. There were also present tho Rev. Fathers Walter Macdonald, Paul, Riordan, O'Sullivan, Downey, O'Rielly, the Hon. P. Diunan, Mr. T. Boylan, Dr. Leo, and a number of other leading men.

The annual social gathering of the members of St. Luke's Episcopalian Church, Mount Albert, was held in the Public-hall on December 1. Two omnibuses conveyed a lirge number of visitors from town, and there was also a largo muster of residents from tho surrounding districts, including a number of inmnlvn r.r other religious denomination*. At (1 o'clock the company sat down to a most munptuous repast which wa-i provided, and was presided over by the following ladies: — Mesdames Beck, Martin, Motion, Taylor, Thompson, Webster, Wright, and Stone. 'The concert commenced shortly before 8 o'clock. Tho hall was crowded to excess. The Rev. .T. Haselden, incumbent of the church, occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks said that the parish 'was of such an extent, that unless the people as well as the pastor earnestly persevered, they would not be able to overtake the work which lay before them. Thecongregrcgation worshipping at St. Luke's had so increased during the past year that it would soon be necessary to enlarge the church. Then followed a lengthy and very excellent programme. At the conclusion of the | concert, Mr. J. Bollard proposed a vote of '

thanks to the ladies for the ample refreshment provided by them. Mr. A. K. Taylor proposed a like compliment to the speakers and musical friends who had assisted in the evening's enjoyment. Both of these votes were carried with acclamation, and the proceedings were terminated by singing the National Anthem.

A soiree in connection with the Parnell Wesleyan'Church was held on Dec. 1. There was a large gathering, and .the tables were served by the following ladies:—Mesdames Dennett, Harvey, Morley, Laybourne, Nicholson, Thompson, White, and Carmichael, and Misses Ottway and Carmichael. The report submitted was highly encouraging. During the past year the offertories had shown a large increase over previous years, and the church membership and Sunday-schools had been greatly enlarged.