ST. ANDREW’S ANNUAL SOIREE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 251, 3 October 1884, Page 2

ST. ANDREW’S ANNUAL SOIREE.

An immense crowd attended the annual soiree in connection with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church last evening, at McFarlane’s Hall. The supply of viands was largely beyond the expectations of the most sanguine, whilst their quality was of the very best—a fitting refutation of the cry of hard times which is occasionally heard. After the usual formalities had been gone through an onslaught was made on the good things, the attacking party proving the victors in a very short time. Perhaps the conquered viands will be giving an account of themselves by this time—but no matter, “ Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” The following ladies provided trays :—Table 1, Mrs. McAra and Mrs. J. Craig ; table 2, Mrs. Teat and Miss Morgan ; table 3, Mrs. Friar and Mrs. Hall ; table 4, Mrs. McGowan and Mrs. Adams; table 5, Mrs. W. Adair; table 6, Mesdames Staples, Warren and Sutter ; table 7, (boys) Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Taylor. Nothing could exceed the affability of the young ladies who assisted in dispensing the good things, viz., Misses Sommervelle, Forsyth, Ratcliffe, Teat, Oatridge, Hall, Anderson, Adams, Coles, Rosie, Mclntosh, Porter, Sheppherd, and Dawson, while their smiling faces added to the pleasure (and appetites) of their patrons. However, as the darkest day must have and ending, so must a tea meeting, and the end came all too soon.

The tea having been disposed of, the following gentlemen took their seats on the platform Revs. McAra, A. O. Williams, Spence, and others. The Choir sang a hymn.

The Rev. Mr. McAra then introduced the Rev. A. O. Williams, who gave an address on the Maori work being done. Two years ago he commenced his work, when he used to hold service in dwelling houses. Mr. Lewis had told them that he got his idea of mission work from colored pictures, representing a missionary standing under a palm tree with the Natives kneeling round, and so on, but he could tell them such an idea as pictures con-

veyed was very erroneous, A recent dinner provided for him in a pa consisted of a potato and two stale eggs. The Maoris, however, were very hospitable, and always offered the best they had. On another occasion he had seen a Maori woman eating out of one end of a spoon and her daughter out of the other. They offered him a spoon to join in. The Natives put Europeans to the blush by the numbers of them who attended Church, and everyone brought his books with him. A Maori never left his kainga if he was going away for a night without taking his Bible. Mr. Edwards sang “ He wipes the tear from every eye ” very successfully. Madame Stewart sang “ O, rest in the Lord ” (Elijah) in her very best style. The next item was “ David before Saul,” by Mr. East.

The Rev. Mr. Spence gave a few words on Church work, more particularly Evangelistic work. There were strong efforts being made to disseminate the Gospel among the people generally. Never were there more strenuous efforts being made by what might be called missionary workers among their fellow men. Mr. McAra said another rev. gentleman was suffering from indisposition and wished to be excused from speaking.

The choir concluded the first part by singing the anthem “ Lead, kindly light.” The Macfarlane family opened the second part, which was devoted to secular music, with a spirited overture. Mrs. Jones, an old favorite who has been absent for some time, was greeted with a storm of applause on making her appearance. Each verse of her song, “ Eileen Allanah,” was loudly applauded, and as an encore she gave “You and I,” with equal success. Mr. Goldsmith followed with the “ Arab to his steed,” for which he received great applause. Miss Porter sang the “ Last mile stone ” with splendid effect. Mr. Bourke gave a comic reading, which was well received. The comic duet “A BC ” received full justice at the hands of Madame Stewart and Mr. Goldsmith. Although the vocalists acknowledged the compliments showered upon them by bowing twice, they had to repeat the number. Mr. Dufaur was heard to great advantage in “Rief Topsails.” Being encored he gave “ Good bye at the door.” Madame Stewart next sang “ Madeline,” for which she was loudly applauded. Mr. Edwards followed with “ Thou art so near,” which he sang capitally, and as an encore gave “ Dreaming of thee.”

Mr. McAra returned a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies who had so willingly and liberally provided the trays; to the ladies and gentlemen who had so kindly given their services in the musical part of the entertainment; and to the speakers for their excellent addresses; after which Mr. Flood, who had presided at the piano during the evening, played the National Anthem, and the audience dispersed.