BERWICK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2849, 21 October 1908, Page 40

BERWICK.

October 12.— A soiree was held in the )efwick Public Hall last Friday evening in onnection with the South Taieri .Preebyerian Church, and proved to be a very rreat success, both musically and financially, there being a large gathering from far and near. The evening was all that could be desired. The Rev. D. M'Coll occupied the chair, and certainly proved the right man, in the right place. After a few remarks appropriate to the occasion, lie called on the audience to rise and sing tike first verse of the 100 th Psalm. The Rev. R. R. M." Sutherland then led in prayer. The following items were then ably rendered: — Musical selection by the Berwick choir ; Mr William Baird, solo; duet, Mrs T. Matheson and Miss Kesnan (Roily Brook). The Rev. P. B. Fiaser, at the request of the chairman, then gay© an interesting and lengthj" address, and on concluding was loudly applauded. Mrs Hally a-nd Miss J. O. Hay gave a duet, and were encored. Mr -Bathgate sang a solo, the choir gave a selection; an§ Miss Kempehell contributed a •010. Refreshments, which were provided by the young ladies of the district, were tiiaen liberally handed round by th? choir, and, judging by ths way thoy quickly disappeared, there was ample proof that they were of excellent quality. A duet having been rendered by Mr and Miss Bathgate, and a eolo by Mr C. Mills, the Rev. R. R. M." Sutherland cave a highly amusing address, in which he strongly urged the people to build a church at Berwick. It only wanted someone in the district to put down £50, and it would be surprising how soon others would foLlow, and in tho course of two cr three years there would be a handsome church built, and it would give him great pleasure to attend the opening of it. Mrs Hally and Miss Bath gat" having each sung a solo, the ckoir, assisted l>y several ladies and gentlemen from a distance, rendered a seletiecn in a manner that was much appreciated. Miss J. C. Hay kindly acted as organist, assisted by Mis 3A. Heenan (Holly Brook). Votes of thanks to the singers and speakers, the choir, the ladies who provided the refreshments, and the chairman brought the meeting to a close.- It should have been mentioned that Airs R. Shennan and Miss Sinclair attended to the tea-making.