PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16243, 28 November 1914, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION.

A SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT.

Children, in all the freshness of youth and without that self-consciousness aind embarrassment lhat come with years "of maturity, supplied an entertainment in tho Burns Sail last evening, under the auspices of the Presbyterian Social Service Association, that for quaintncss and charm would be difficult! to surpass. Small children of both sexfes, and ranging from three or. four years 'upwards, took part in a miniature operetta entitled "Brownie's Whisper*," and performed the piece with a degree of., accuracy and intelligence that reflected credit alike upon themselves and their instructors. Tho plot, though somewhat frail in its nature, i 3 the vehicle for a pleasing and happy little story well calculated to appeal: to children, and to those who are imaginative enough to remember the days when their chief delight was to people tho earth with fairies. In the tale the flowers'are endowed with speech, and_ have intercourse with the fairies or brownies, and a series of quaint scenes and sketches result- The children's performance was greatly enjoyed and Was loudly applauded.

The second portion of the evening was principally devoted to various items Supplied by members of the different young' women's Bible classes, with several !jindividual items. A waxworks burlesque, presented by "Mrs Jarley and Company,", proved very, amusing, and kept tile audience in a constant simmer of merriment. Items were also rendered by tho following: Members Caversham Biblo Class (club swinging), Knox Bible Class (glee), Mies L. Johnstone (recitation), Miss Iris Jacobs (violin solo), tho Payne family (instrumental trio), Mr Johnst6n (solo). A patriotic tableau by tho members of St. Andrew's Biblo Class, entitled "Many Nations," concluded a most successful entertainment. During the evening an adaptation of tho song "It's a long way to Tipperary" was sung, and a collection was taken up, resulting in the splendid amount of £20 being contributed.

The Rev. A. Cameron made a few remarks concerning the year's work, which, .he stated, had been marked by much success. In all 300 children were being eared for by th« association in Dunedin, one lialf of whom were in the various homes. At the Glendining Home were all the girls and tho children under 10 years of age, who wore looked after by Sister Mary and her helpers. At Grant's Bnves wero placed the Hoys over 10 years of age, und'er tho charge of Miss Tweed and helpers, while Mr Axelsan had care of |he boys who had left school. In conclusion, he appealed to those present not to allow the war to absorb all their attention, but to' remember tho children, and- help them financially and with their prayers.

The Rev. Mr Axelsen expressed his pleasure at seeing tiho hall so crowded, OA it. was an indication of the interest taken in the work of the association. He wished to express his gratitude to the young women's Bible classes of the' city for lie splendid work they had done to_ help the orphanages branch of the association. Mmm M'Fie (directress) and MissTelfer (pianist) also deserved their best thanks, as did all those who assisted in helping forward tho work of the association, and of tho orphanages in particular. The gathering concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.