MATAWHERO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 938, 31 October 1879, Page 2

MATAWHERO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE.

The soiree m the Makaraka Hall, held last evening m connection with the Presbyterian Church, Matawhero, was largely attended by residents of both town and country, and was one of the most successful and gratifying social gatherings we have witnessed. The hall^ was tastefully decorated with a profusion of flowers and foliage, and the raised platform draped with British ensigns, which, together with the brillancy of the light diffused, and the presence of young men and maidens, old men and children, all brimful of hilarity and enjoyment, presented a most cheerful and inviting aspect. The tables were plentifully supplied with good cheer, nor was there wanting any of those delicacies m the culinary department, devised with such rare art and produced at no inconsiderable trouble on these occasions by the ladies connected with the congregation. We have not ascertained the names of the donors of the trays for the soiree, but m justice to them we must say that they well deserve every encomium for their* excellent tables, and thanks for the exertions undergone m providing 'for 1 them. The result of their efforts, will we ar# informed, be the means of carrying out the object contemplated by the soiree, viz., the enlargement of the Matawhero Church, and should another invitation be extended under the same auspices and for the same object, after an interval, even many more will readily respond. After the tea, the customary programme observed on these occasions was entered into, viz., addresses, music (vocal and instrumental) and recitations. The Rev. J. McAra occupied the chair, supported by the | Rev. W. L. Salter, and on the, platform were arranged m a pleasing group, under the superintendence of Mr. Bolton, teacher of the Matawhero school, the pupils attending there. The Rev. J. McAra opened the proceedings with an address m which he explained the object of the Soiree and congratulated them on its splendid success. He then spoke of the several elements required to make a 4 aoiree a success, taking the component letters of the word and making the respective words the heads of his address. These were that it should be Sociable, Orderly, Instructive, Religious and Elevating. The rev. gentlemen concluded by ; giving an account of the contributions of the Matawhero Church to that of Gisborne and showing how the latter had outstripped m growth the parent Presbyterian Church of Matawhero. The next address was from Mr. Duncan McKay who 'narrated the progress of church matters m the district since his arrival m it when there was hardly a house m the place and enlarged on the advantages derived from these meetings m getting people acquainted with each other. He had known people to come to church sabbath after sabbath and yet remain unknown to each other, and he looked upon these soirees as one of the best institutions for effecting this purpose. ' In concluding he said that m order to obtain the funds for enlarging the church, the committee were going to beg properly m future and take no refusals. The Rev. W. L. Salter was the next speaker, and gave an able, humorous, and instructive address, chosing for his subject the expression often heard on playgrounds m marble time, " Every is for me and nothing for you." These words indicated a spirit 'of selfishness which prevailed generally m trade, professions, and he regretted, also m religion. The motto should be ''something for me and something for you too," or " live and let live," m personal as well as m church life. Mr. John Warren gave as a recitation, " The parting of Douglas and Marmion." The musical portion of the evenings programme was very agreeable Mr. MacFarlane and family, and Mr. Carter, who tendered their services gratuitously played the opening overture and several operatic selections. The Gisborne Church Choir who proceeded thither assisted with numerous selections from " The Sacred Songs arid Solos'' Miss Morgan presiding on the instrument, and Mr. J. East who took a hearty interest throughout m the musical arrangements sang Hymn 257. Mr. Carter, m the Jacobite song, The Standard on the breeze of morn," was received with deserved appreciation. We cannot forget to mention, m this connection the services of Mr. Bolton and the school children. They sang several rounds and glees m a highly creditable and correct manner, showing that they are apt and intelligent pupils and duly received the instruction imparted to them. " Hark the Bells," and "Be not swift to take offence" were especially noticeable for their harmony. Mrs. Jones also contributed not the least agreeable portion towards the entertainment, and though laboring under the very serious disadvantage of no musical accompaniment, owing to the instrument being of too low a pitch, ahe rendered the ballads of " I cannot leave the old folks now " and " Five o'clock m the morning " m a sweet and pathetic manner. At the conclusion Mr. P. Barrie moved a vote of thanks to the ladies which was carried by acclamation as was also that of thanks to the Choir moved by Mr. Parker., After the National Anthem was sung, the benediction pronounced by the Rev. W. L. Salter, the meeting dispersed. Since writing the report, we have been informed that the following ladies provided |trays : Mesdames Allen, Bond, Ball, Dunn, Scrimgeour, Beattie, Cameron, Breignan and Miss King.