MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10454, 28 May 1897, Page 6

MEETINGS.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the W.C.T.U. took place yesterday afternoon in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms, Mrs. Schnackenberc presiding. Amongst those present were Mrs. Hewitt, and native friends from Rotorua. In introducing the natives, Mrs, Hewitt said she had been told it would be useless to work for temperance amongst the natives, as they were like children, and would eoon forget her teaching; but she had found them most earnest and persevering. Rotorua was considered one of tbe worst places for drink, but during the twn and a-half years they had been working over 300 pledges had been taken, and several Sunday-sciioola and Bible claws started. Two of those present had studied at Napier College, Atareta Ratema and Sophie Kerri. The former was president of the W.C.T.U. ab Ohinemutu, having been chosen by the Maoris to till that position. She is iilxo leader of the Bible class there, where 39 women and 50 children attend. Sophie Kerri was secretary of the Te Ngae branch, which they started with about 30 women. Mr?. Pouramati was the first presidentof the W.C.T. U. elected in Rotorua, and did good work there. She has removed to Auckland, and hopes to be of service amongst her own people here. After a short address from each, the Rev. Ratema ga"o a very earnest ami interesting speech in Maori, which Mrs. Sclmackenberg interpreted. In consequence oi Mrs. Hewitt havint? to bear so mnch of the expenses in this work, Mrs. Davis proposed that a donation from the W.C.T.U. fund should be given, and a special collection taken that afternoon towards it. This was carried, and £2 lot 64 was presented. There was an unusually large attendance a& tho fortnightly meeting of the Otara Mutual Improvement Association, held on May 24fb. The attraction was a lecture by the Rev. D. J. Steele, president of the Association, on "A Trip to the Old Country." The lecture was illustrated with lantern views, and was listened to with much appreciation. On Tuesday evening the annual soiree in connection with the Richmond Road Priini,tive Methodist Sunday-school was held, there being a good attendance, both at the tea and public meeting. The Rev. J. Sharp occupied the chair, and addressee were given by the Rev. R. Wilson and the chairman. The reports read by the secretary and treasurer (Messrs. Lovatb and Smith) showed the school to be in a flourishing condition. The choir and children rendered various selections of music under the direction of Mr. Simpson, Miss Luviitt presiding ati the organ. Presenta tions of books were made to Misses Kendon and Lovatt, the organists of the school and church, and several of the scholars who had competed for prizes. The Caledonian Society's leries of fortnightly socials continue to draw large audiences. Last evening proved no exception to the rule, despite the unfavourable state of the wetther. Mr. J. Simpson presided. The piano accompaniments were played by -Mrs. Talbot. The projramme, consisting of the following items, was successfully gone through, many of tne items being encored :—Pianoforte eeUctiou by Mrs. Talbot; song, "Flow Gently, Sweet Afton," Miss Rusje; eong, " I am a Friar of Order? Grey," Mr. Ryan ; encore, " The Owl j" musical selection on banjo, harp, whistles, and piano, by Messrs. Smith3ou, Carson, Hudson, and Pitkethley; rong, ''The Bridge,' , Mrs. Murray; skipping rope dance by Mr. Wiggins ; song, " Killarney," Miss Ryan ; sang, "Bonnie Mary of Argyle," Mr. D. Weir; encore, "The Last Farowell;" song, "You'll Remember Me," Mr. Smithson. The dances, which were interspersed with the items of the programme, proved a great attraction.

Mr. C. Reeve, director of the Poonah Village Mission, continued his course of Bible readings yesterday afternoon at the Y.M.C.A. There was a good attendance. The last of the series this week will be given this afternoon, His addresses appear to be much appreciated.

Last evening; a valedictory service was held at tho Tabernacle schoolroom owing to the departure of Dr. Woltenden on Monday by the s.s. Tasmania, en route for Melbourne. Mr. Spedding, on behalf of the church and congregation, and Mr, Wm. Baker, as school superintendent on behalf of the Sunday-school, expressed their thanks and gratitude for the services he had rendered to both church and school. Tho pastor (Rev. Joseph Clark) added i\ few kindly words expressive of his own personal obligations. Dr. Wolfenden, in reply, said it had been a pleasure to serve them, as he had received nothing bub kindness and courtesy everywhere. He would return shortly, and after a short stay proceed to Wellington, He hoped to see the Government of this colony, and all the Governments of the respective Australian colonies, adopt some State system of humanely treating and curing the habitual drunkard, for habitual drunkenness was a disease which should be dealt with medically like any other disease. The Hon. P. Thompson, Minister of Justice, has accorded Dr. Wolfenden an interview on the question by appointment on Monday morning, prior to thai; gentleman's departure for Sydney. The Pantnure Mutual Improvement Society held a very successful concert and dance in the Panmure Hall the other evening. The stage was beautifully decorated with foliage, cbiefly the work of Some enthusiastic members. Misa Day, of Otahuhu, was recalled for. her rendering of the sons "Fiona," and Miss L. Roberts, of Pakuranga, gave " Killarney" in good style. This lady also took the- part of the Queen in the tableaux from " lolanthe," the fairies being all young ladies from Pakuranga. The effect was exceedingly classical. " Tit for Tat" (song;) by Miss Roberts, and the duet, "Dreamland," by Misa Dora Sharpie and Mr. Alf Hattaway, gained well-merited encores. Messrs. Kissling and Airey's songe were much appreciated. The spirited dialogue by six Panmure young ladies was greatly enjoyed, and the acting of Mixses Greatbatch, Macdonald, and Messrs. May and Lamb was much above the average. Mrs. Pullan and Mr. Browning contributed greatly to the success of the concert.