Soiree at Pukeuri.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7331, 4 October 1898, Page 3

Soiree at Pukeuri.

(FROM OTJK OWIST CO3BESFONDENT.) The soiree held at I'ukeuri on Friday night in connection with the Presbyterian Congregation il Sunday School was a considerable success, in spite of the wind and rain. H<d the night been fine, there was every prospect; of a crowded house, and every preparation had been made by the good ladit-a of the district to meet the needs of the meeting. Tables were loaded with c*ke, biscuits, and sweetmeats of the best quality, which rtfL j crs taste and credit on their liberality. The takings for the evening amounted to L 5 19t 61, admission being-Adults Is. children 6 1, no f*tni>y to be charged more than Is 6d for the children. There was a first-rate choir of about 30, under the leadership of our respected teacher, who is ever reidy to lend his aid to a good work, whilst our well-known local man, Mr O.kden, worked the orgau to advantage, and, aided by two violins manipulated by Messrs Booth (Oamarul and Whyte (Richmond), the music was all that could be wished. The pieces were chosen from Choral Praise No. 4, and the meeting showed its appreciation of the excellent way they were rendered by no snull stir. There were present on the platform the Rsvs. Steven, Wright, Porter, and Ward. Tbe pastor (Mr Steven) took the chair at 7-30. and announced that the Rev. Mr Stand ring was to have been present, and also Archdeacon Gould, but the inclement weather and other things had prevented them, and they sent their good wishes. He then asked the audience to stand and join in sinejng the Old Hundred, which they did heartily. The chairman 6tated thac the object- of the soiree was to obtain funds for the purchase of books for the Sunday Schools, and called upon Mr Goodall, the superintendent, to make his report Thi3 he did briefly stating that there were 50 names on the roll; the attendance varied from 2o to 40. according to the state of weather and roads. After singing again tha Rav, Mr Porter was brought to the front who spoke on parential responsibility. He gave some earnest counsel in plain English and was listened to with great attention. An excellent tea was served which helped to preserve the good feeling. Mr faced the audience and addressed the young, and showed what can be done by training. He showed what soldier 3 will do by "training. Mr Ward's theme was *• Suuday Schools." He began at the origin with Robert Riikes when the few met in his house, and the influence of that meeting on the world, numbering no less than 20,000,000 children and 20,000 teachers. The whole meeting seemed to vibrate with joy at the grand things said in the addresses and the flowing harmony of song. The chairman made some excellent 5 remarks, and proposed votes of thanks to the different parties, and a pleasant meeting broke up at a late hour.