ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11202, 24 October 1899, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

HELPING HAND ANNIVERSARY REUNION. The Helping Hand Mission anniversary was further celebrated last evening by the annual reunion, toa being served in the ante-1 room of the Choral Hall to about 650 people from five to seven o'clock. Mrs. Parkinson, of Victoria-street, was the caterer, and notwithstanding tho large number of people there were ample refreshments for all. At the after public meeting in tho Choral Hall, His Worship the Mayor (Mr, David Goldie) presided. The hall was well filled, and the gallery was also occupied. The rostrum and hall were decorated with nikau palms, arum liliet, and greenery, while a number of hanging baskets, containing ferns and arum lilies, were suspended at intervals. Tho Mission band, under the conductorship of Band-Ser-geant Goodenough, gave some instrumental selections before the formal proceedings commenced, namely, " The Soldiers of the Cross," "Eventide," and a march selection. Sister Kenneth gave a report of her year's work, over £80 being distributed in benevolence. She gave a description of some of the distressing cases relieved, stating that a great many of them could not be described in public. She had paid 3000 visits, and written 300 letters during the year in fulfilment of her mission work. Sister Kenneth warmly thanked the friends who had provided her with disused clothing, and funds and provisions for the relief of tho needy. Mr. Pacey, tho mission treasurer, presented the financial statement, showing that over £449 had been spent in carrying on the operations of the mission. The year had closed clear of debt. The missioner (tho Rev. C. C. Harrison) described the internal working of tho mission, and quoted several eases in which spiritual help had been given. His Worship the Mayor expressed his gratification at the good work which the mission appeared to bo doing in the city, and gave some encouraging counsel to the workers. The programme consisted of vocal and instrumental selections. The Maori boy students of Three Kings College. under the condnotorship of the Rev. J. H. Simmonds, principal, rendered tho anthem, "I Will Extol Thee, My God and King," and the anniversary hymn, " As the Years Roll By." Mrs. J. Stewart sang with taste the sacred song,."Light in Darkness." Mr. W. Caley, who officiated at the organ, performed as an offortoire piece " March Homaine," by Scotson Clarke. Votes of thanks were accorded to all who had assisted to make the anniversary a success, and thanks were also presented to Mr. T. Wright, the honorary publisher of tho Joyful News for the past 18 months. Mr. J. G. Culpan conducted tho musical arrangements, Miss MeMaster being the leader of the orehestra, and Miss Bramo pianiste, as also at tho Sunday services. At the breaking-np Mr. Calov (organist) executed the " March des Girondin" (by Scotson Clarke). Ail entertainment for scholars of the mission only will be hold in the Mission Hall, Freoman's Bay, this evening, when there will be given, with other attractions, a kinematographe exhibition and phonograph selections. SALVATION ARMY ENTERTAINMENT. -LECTURE ON SOUTH AFRICA.. Colonel Estill, of the Salvation Army, gave a very interesting lecture on " South Africa" in the Salvation Army Barracks, Albert-street. There was a large attendance. The lecture was very clear and graphic, and illustrated by about 120 limelight views. The views wore of scenes in the Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, Orange Free State, Zululand, and Mashonaland. They illustrated the history cf South Africa for the past quarter of a century. Views were also given of Salvation agencies for social work there, the home outside Capetown, to which Cecil Rhodes had given three donations (£25, £10u, and £150 respectively). Colonel Estill also described the Catherine Booth and Hullett Army special settlements in Zululand. The lecturer stated he was not a partisan in the present unhappy war, because he believed in the brotherhood of man, and that of one blood God had made all the nations of the earth. He hoped the war would soon lie ended, and peace, reign over South Africa once more. The lecturer was frequently cheered during the delivery of the address. RECITAL AT FORESTERS' HALL. Miss Margaret Finey gave a recital at the Foresters' Hall, Karangaliape Road, last evening. The attendance was fair, and the lady was well received. Mr. Leonard Heath sang "The Better Land" and "Oh, Promise Me," with violin obligate by Miss Boult. Miss Margaret Finey recited, "Which Shall it hi'?" and "Lorraine, Lorree;" Miss Boult contributed a violin solo, "Variations;" Mrs. Boult, piano solos, "Fantasie Impromptu" and " Salturello;" Miss Webley, recitation, "King Vuliner and Elsie;" Miss Ethel Harrison recited "Grandpapa's Spectacles," and received an encore. Mr. M. Lewis was much applauded for his comic song, " Last Night," and gave as an encore an imitation song. Miss Finey recited "A Legend of Madrid" and "Queen Catherine's Speech in Court," with much effect, and Mr. Lewis was again encored for his comic song, " Such a Don, Don't You Know." An enjoyable concert was brought to a close by Miss Finey's recitation, "How We Beat the Favourite." Miss Boulton made an efficient accompanist.