Something Worth Copying

Southland Times, Issue 14332, 28 April 1899, Page 3

Something Worth Copying

Five years ago the Rev. A. Edgar inaugurated an annual reunion in connection with the Central Methodist Mission, Melbourne, which he called happily “The Old Folks’ at Home.” Preaching at a young people’s demonstration on one occasion', Mr Edgar observed an old man, bent with the weight of years, walk slowly down the ailse, and it occurred to him that while the church provided enjoyment for the youug people, it gave no thought for the old. An idea formed itself. It was pub into practical operation, and now the annual gathering of the old people is regarded as one of the most popular functions of the mission. No less than 1500 invitations were issued this year, all of which were accepted, and 500 additional applications for tickets were received, but had to be regretfully refused. The only qualification imposed on the guests is that they must be 60 years of age and over. Such a gathering bf veterans could nob fail to be interesting. As they sat at tea, and talked over the pioneering days, their wrinkled faces beamed and their eyes glowed with the fire of youth again at the memories of early struggles, and there was not one among the younger generation there but felt the thrill of pleasure and of pride at the sight of the history-makers of the co'ony gathered together once more, and exchanging stones of the days of bright hopes and bitter disappointments. Bub the absence of some of the old folks who were present last year were sorrowfully noted. The Rev. Professor Gosman, of Hawthorn, himself over 70, touched a pathetic chord when he referred to the death of one old lady during the year. She was a nurse with Florence Nightingale in the Crimea. “ Not very long after the last •Ab Home ’ she sickened?” eaid bhe speaker, “ and, oh, with what joy she referred to this annual meeiing I Bub the time came when she crossed the bar, and there was no moaning there when she pub out to sea. And if any of us see the sunset and bhe evening star before our next meeting, it is my prayer that there may be no murmur on the bar when we put out to sea, but that our spiritual eyes may receive the light that will conduct us to the haven of eternal peace.” “Amen and amen,” came the response from all parts of the hall.

An entertainment followed tbe tea, the "Mayor of Melbourne (Councillor McEachren) presiding. The programme was framed with a view to pleasing old people, and it contained some items which were decidedly old fashioned. Mrs Evans, of Hawthorn, Mrs Polglase, of Coburg, and Mr G. F. Smith, town clerk of Williamson, contributed songs and, although each had either reached or almost reached the allotted span, the voice was clear and vigorous. Mr A. Guun exhibited a series of dissolving views, accompanied by drum effects by Professor Schott, and it was evident that the scenes incidental to Waterloo, the Relief of Lucknow, aad other memorable campaigns carried the veterans back to their earlier’ years, for they cheered and cheered again. Their expressions of wonder at the oinematographe pictures were sometimes amusing. “ Things ’as changed since we was boys,” one venerable old fellow remarked to his aged friend. “ That picture's a splendid imitation, ain’t it ’ ” The annual census created great merriment. With transparent candour some of the ladies admitted to being any age between 60 and 90, which led Mr Edgar to tell the story of the old maid of 75, who, when she saw a wedding pass her door, exclaimed, “ Alas, that is the way we shall all have to go some day.” A number of striking figures in the ranks of old colonists answered the call to go on to the platform. Among them were Mr John Harris, 96, an Australian colonist of 78 years’ standing ; Mrs Heath, 95; Mr Barry, 91, who has been in this colony since 1853 ; Mr Job Cox, 86, and etill earning his own living; and Mrs Jack, 89, a colonist since 1852. But the most remarkable example of longevity, and, as Mr Edgar remarked, “a splendid tribute to our splendid climate,” was Mr Berry, 99 years of age. The call for those between 75 and 85 to stand up resulted in quite a remarkable uprising ; but those from 65 to 75 predominated. Mrs M. A. Smith was awarded the prize for the oldest lady colonist present, having settled here in 1838, a year after the colony’s foundation. Mrs Heath, 95, carried off the award for the oldest lady present ; and other prizes, all of a useful character, were distributed. In acknowledging a vote of thanks for presiding, the Mayor referred to the keen pleasure the entertainment had given him, and said he was heartily in accord with the efforts of the Central Methodist Mission to amuse the old people as well as the rising generation.—Argus.