GREEN VALLEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7720, 15 November 1886, Page 4

GREEN VALLEY.

The Green Valley Presbyterian Church celebrated their first social gathering on Thursday evening, the llth November. The night was very favourable in every respect, as it was very mild aud the moon was at the full. Fully 100 gathered from the different parts of the district, old and young alike turning out in goodly numbers. A kindly greeting awaited them at the schoolroom, whose walls were profusely decorated with wreaths of evergreens and gay flowers, while the customary tables displayed a feast pleasing to the eye as well as to the palate. These were supplied and presided over by Mesdames Ormsby, Miller, Dent, Bailey, Miss Steel, and the Misses Bailey, who were unflagging in attending to the wants of everyone. A verse of the " Old Hundredth " having been sung, and a blessing asked, justice was done to the tea tables.

The second part of the programme was thei entered upon.

The Rev. A. Bruce Todd took the chair and addressed a few words of welcome to all, taking the opportunity of pointing out the design and advantage of such gatherings.

Tho Rev-. Jas. Clark, of Palmerston, expressed pleasure in being present, and congratulated the people on the good start they had made as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church. He spoke of the good effects which the spread of the Gospel had upon civilisation and the advance of society, showing that they made progress together. This was proved in tho history of Great Britain, and was true at the present day in all countries. He wished every prosperity to pastor and people in their work. The Rev. J. Steven, of Lower Waitaki, took as the subject ot his speech " The home training of tho young." In addressing parents he urged wisdom iv dealing with their children, sincerity of life and action, and the enforcing of habits of industry and piety. Speaking to the children, he impressed upon them the duties of obedience, of love to one another, shown forth in their everyday life, and of' early setting their hearts upou things above. He wished minister and cougregation Godspeed. During the evening tho choir sang several hymns with good expression, reflecting great credit upon their leader, Mr Robertson, who presided at the harmonium. At the close votes of thanks were passed to the speakers, proposed by Mr Bailey ; to the ladies, proposed by Mr Morrison; to the choir, proposed by Mr M'Leod ; and to the chairman, proposed by Mr Clark.