ANNIVERSARY SOCIAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13424, 26 October 1905, Page 9

ANNIVERSARY SOCIAL.

Tho anniversary social in connection with (he Dundas Street Primitive Methodist Sunday- School was held in the church last evening, and proved a most successful function, the building being crowded. The chair was occupied by the Uov. \\ r . Laycock, who opened the proceedings with a few appropriate remarks. A long programme followed, consisting of dialogues, recitations, glees, etc., in which the children sustained the various parts very creditably under tho condr.eiorship of Mr K. Brueo. Addresses were given by the Rev. S. Bailey, Mr William King (superintendent), and Mr James Cable. Miss Brinsley, Miss Williams, and Mr Sheen contributed vocal items, the accompanists being Miss Blair (piano) and Miss Briusloy (organ). Before tho gathering dispersed the Chairman distributed the prizes, some 50 in number, to tho successful competitors in the various classes held during ilie year, and also the prizes won bv seven of their scholars who competed in tho Now Zealand Primitive Methodist Union examinations. A voto p? thanks to tho various workers and performers terminated a very successful gathering. The following, are the principal clauses in the tv.eiity-seventb annual report, which was read during the evening: — It is with more. than usual pleasure that we present to you the twenty-seventh annual report of our Sunday School, for this is the first annual gathering since our new school hall was opened in Juno last. For years it had been felt, that moro conveniences were necessary if efficient work was to be done, and afler a great deal of planning and arranging, with all the attendant worry of detail and finance, wo at length have the pleasure of greeting you oil onr anniversary in our new premises.

Tho year just closed has been a. very busy one, and wo take tho opportunity of thanking one and all for the untiring nnd unselfish manner in which tile many nppenls have been responded to. The number of scholars on the roll is just over 200—about the same as last year. We have suffered somewhat on account of removals, but a good many of the gaps have been filled by the advent of new scholars. The average attendance for the year has been good, which is very satisfactory. Our absentee visitor (Mrs Brinsley) has becu very earnest in lite looking up of absent scholars, and her work undoubtedly helps to keep the attendance at its satisfactory standard. The senior classes have been especially well attended. We are sorry to report that death has visited our ranks and has taken one of our younger spholars, Dollj Sanity, to her home. The teaching stall numbers 23. Our teachers have attended very consistently, and have shown enthusiasm in their work. Mr Brettell, superintendent of . tho Glenroy School, resigned on account o£ removal, and tho vacancy was filled hy the nppoiutmemnt of Mr D. Bethime. lliss Blair has joined our active staff, which wo are pleased to be able to report' now stands at full working strength. The usual addition of new hooks was made to the library, and included works by Ralph Connor, Frank Bull™, Hocking, etc., and the manner in which they have circulated is sufficient proof that the introduction of the books of modern writers is very popular. The entries for the yearly P.M. Union Connexion and the Otngo Union examinations were good, and our scholars did very creditably -in both, gaining several prizes, while the majority obtained pass certificates, Tho finances have been good, and after handing over a good sum to the building fund the treasurer reports a slight balance in hand. One of the most pleasing features of the work lias been the earnest and practical manner in which the scholars have responded to the instructions and invitations given them. To Ihe parents and friends who have so willingly come to our aid we give our best thanks, and feel confident that the same support will be accorded during this new year.