ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11745, 29 August 1901, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

I THE JOHN F. SHERIDAN COMPANY. "Fun on the Bristol" was again performed I by the John F. Sheridan "Company, at the Opera House, last evening, before a large house. The piece went with ease, brightness, and vigour, all the more important, numbers having to be repeated in response to imperative encore demands. ■. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. At the City Hall there are at present two exceptionally fine turns, viz., the De Wynne Brothers and Johnson, Riano, and Bentley. The former have seldom been equalled in this country, while the original and novel performance by the latter nightly arouses the greatest enthusiasm. Miss Millie Herbert is nightly the recipient of prolonged applause for her effective singing. Little Baby Capel is announced to appear for three more nights only. On Saturday next Mr. Wallace. King, the favourite tenor, will again bo with the company. On Monday next a remarkably clever juvenile comedian from the Palace and Empire Theatres, London, will make his first appearance in. New Zealand. AUCKLAND CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY. A debate took place at the society's rooms last Tuesday on the question of " Whether an efficient army is as necessary as an effective navy, in order tc maintain British supremacy." Messrs. Carron and Bailey wore the principals, the former speaking in the affirmative and the latter in the negative. For the affirmative Mr. Carron contended that p?.sc history proved the necessity of supporting an army, without which to back it up the navy failed in effectiveness. Ho was also pleased to see that the Ho die authorities were giving more attention to the army, as he considered it a matter of national importance. He concluded an eloquent speech by describing the heroic deeds of the army in days gone by. Mr. Bailey spoko for some considerable time in the interest of the navy, giving it as his opinion that the navy's importance far outshone that of the army. On the navy devolved the duty of keeping open the communications between Britain and her colonial possessions, as well as protecting the merchant shipping and guarding the coastline of Great Britain. Ho drew attention to tho important factor the navy was in bringing tho Napoleonic wars to a close. Several other members spoke, and the debate was then adjourned to next meeting. GRAFTON ROAD WESLEY SCHOOLROOM. There was a good attendance at Mr. S. Stephenson's lecture on Tuesday night. The Rev. H. Bull occupied the chair. The lecturer changed his theme at the last moment, and discoursed on "Humbugs." The lecture was a witty and humorous exposure of the many present-day unrealities. The audience was keenly responsive, andv the several points were immediately discerned, and appreciated with laughter and cheers. Altogether a very pleasant evening was spent. The brightness of tho entertainment was increased by two popular songs, ono by Mrs. S. Craig and the other by Miss Laver. On the motion of Mr. Schofield, seconded by Mr. T. Jones, hearty thanks were given to Mr. Stephenson for his lecture, also to the vocalists. LOCAL PREACHERS' CONVENTION. A convention of local preachers belonging to the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodists circuits in Auckland and suburbs was hela yesterday afternoon in the church parlour at the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church. The afternoon session commenced at half-past two • o'clock, and was attended by about 50 ministers and local preachers. _ Mr. G. H. Douglass, of Onehunga, occupied the chair. After devotional exercises two papers were read, one by the Rev. C. H. Garland (president), on " Preaching," and another by the Rev. G. J. Chapman, on " The Relation of the Holy Spirit to Preaohing." An interesting discussion followed the reading of _ each paper, and on the motion of Mr. Laking a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the Revs. C. 11. Garland and J. G. Chapman for their excellent papers, with the request that they would allow them to bo printed in the Outlook. An adjournment of one hour was then made, when those present partook of afternoon tea. Mr. E. C. Carr, of Kaukapakapa, presided at the evening session, when papers were read as follows: —"The Sunday Evening Prayer Meeting," by Mr. S. F. Benton; "The Relation and Responsibility of tho Pulpit to the Pew," by Mr. F. Norris; "Outdoor Services," by Mr. A. C. Brown. A discussion, in which tho majority of those present took part, followed each paper, ..nd a' cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the writers for their valuable suggestions. At the close of the convention the Rev. C. H. Garland administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to those present.

UNITARIAN CHUROH SOCIAL. An enjoyable social evening was spent last evening in Wesley Hall, by the members of the Auckland Unitarian Church. The Rov. W. Jellie, 8.A., presided, and read a letter from the Rev. George Walters, of the Australian Unitarian Church, Sydney, who had on two occasions occupied the pulpit of the Auckland Unitarian Church. Mr. Walters congratulated the church on the laying of the foundation stone of their new building, and made reference to the efforts of the Rev. AV. on that behalf. Light refreslunents were dispensed, and a vocal and instrumental programme carried out, as follows:—Songs, Messrs. Crawford and Abel Rowe; harp solo, Mr. F. Carter; vocal duet, Misses Pearl and Ruby Davis; selections, Rosendale Banjo, Mandolin, and Guitar Club; songs, Mesdames G. Read and Abel Rowej song, "The Link Divine," Miss Davis; recitations, "The Contrast," and "One Pair of Stockings," Miss Gladys Carter. The latter items were deservedly encored, the diminutive reciter exhibiting much cleverness and versatility in her contributions.

TAKAPUNA PRESBYTERIAN ANNIVERSARY.

On Sunday last the Presbyterians of Lake Takapiuia held most successful services in connection with their fifth anniversary. The hall was crowded to excess at both services. The Rev. R. Ferguson preached sermons suitable to the occasion. The music was in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Bradstreet, and was greatly enjoyed. Tho choir, with the assistance of an orchestra, rendered the hymns and anthems with great heart and expression. Mr. Hoyes sang tho solo, " Still With Thee," and Miss Gladding sang "The Lord is Mindful." These Sunday services were the most successful yet held in the Lake Ilall. It is the intention to continue the evening service every moonlight Sunday. Last night the annual soiree was held, when the Lake Hall was crowded to its utmost capacity. The ladies who gave tables and presided were Mesdamos Ferguson, Sinclair, McMurtrie, Campbell, Stevens, Budge, Eastham, 11. Robertson, P. Robertson, Frater, Bradstreet, assisted by Mrs. McCreery, Misses Syinons, Frater, Mac Donald, Roper, and Campbell. After a sumptuous tea, the hall was cleared for the after-meeting. A splendid programme was contributed by the following friends:— Dawson, Misses Vera Moody, Budge, Curtis, Eva Wood, and Messrs. Steel, Baggstrora, and E. W. Alison. The accompaniments were rendered by Mesdames Ferguson, Bradstreet, and Miss Fitz. Mr. Budge, in his financial statement, showed how the funds wore in a very flourishing state, 'and congratulated the people on last year's liberality. Tho Rev. R. Ferguson, during the evening, presented a silver candlestick (double) to Mrs. Leek, of Dovonport, for much kindness shown to the friends at the Lake services. Misses Gordon ant 1 Syinons were also presented with tokens of respect. Mr. J. G. Webster replied on. behalf, of the ladies. The usual votes of thanks, Do::ology, and Benediction, brought tho very pleasant anniversary celebrations to a close.

MR. GEO. ALDRIDGE'S LECTURES. At the Church of Christ, Newton, last evening Mr. George Aldridgo gave another of his series of wintei lectures, and dealt with tho historical subject, " Cromwell and the Civil War." Limelight views were exhibited, and the lecture was followed with interest throughout by the large attendance present. 'ANNUAL SOIREE OF BAPTiS'IJ CHURCH, PONSONBY. The annual soiree of the Baptist Church", Ponsonby, took place last evening in the schoolroom, the tables being presided over by the deacons' - wives. A goodly number sat down to tea, and the after-meeting was held in the church. The Rev. A. H. Collins presided. Mr. .John Graham (secretary) read the annual report, from which we gather the following facts: Ther- was an increase of membership of 110, making tho roll 141. Tho ladies' sewing meeting had a substantial sum in hand towards the renovation of the inside of the church. The Sunday-school had 20 teachers and 164- scholars, while the Western Springs auxiliary had eight teachers and 60 scholars. The Mutual Improvement Society had a membership of 36, and this branch of work was very enoouraging. Tho pastor was congratulated on having the honour of being president of the Now Zealand Baptist Union for tho present year. Mr. Dearsley (treasurer) read -the balance-sheet. It ap-

pears that the year's receipts were £46*, and after defraying all expenditure there was a credit balance of £6 13s. £67 7s was raised for foreign missions, of which the Sundayschool contributed £30; £10 16s 7d was raised for the home mission fund. Interest- j ing speeches and addresses wero given by the • | chairman, the Rev. John Wilkins, and the I Rev. Mr. Wool ley. Solos were rendered ; 1 by Mr. W. Hawkins and Mesdames W. H. i Patterson and Rouse. Mrs. Thos. H. Adams j played the accompaniments. The West End I Orchestra also assisted. • *— ' •