MATAURA NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 22203, 21 December 1933, Page 7

MATAURA NEWS

METHODIST. CHURCH. (From Our Correspondent.) A special Christmas service was held by the Mataura Methodist congregation on Sunday afternoon when the choir from the Gore Church visited Mataura and sang several anthems and carols. There was a large congregation and the Rev. H. C. Orchard occupied the pulpit and preached an appropriate sermon. The choir, under the baton of Mr Simpson, with Miss Gresham at the organ, sang “God in the Highest,” “Holy Night,” “Sun of My Soul,” “Hark the Merry Bells are Ringing,” “Beneath the Star,” "The Bells of Heaven Ring,” “Chime Voices” and “Praise the Lord.” Miss Hinchey acted as soloist. Highland Society.

The concluding meeting for this year of the Mataura Highland Society was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday night, when there was a good gathering of clansfolk for the social arranged for.

Chief William Buchanan presided, and under his direction a pleasant _ programme of dances was indulged in.

Mataura Kindergarten.

The break-up of the Mataura Kindergarten which hat been conducted by Miss W. McLean, of Gore, throughout the year, was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Saturday afternoon, when there was an attendance of sixty-two children (which included some of the Gore children) and twenty adults. A most interesting and entertaining pro-

gramme of their games and songs was given by the wee tots who acquitted themselves with great credit. In due time Father Christmas arrived with a present for all, including one for each of the mothers of the pupils. A dainty afternoon tea having been served a delightful little ceremony was then proceeded with whereby Miss McLean and her assistant, Miss Patterson, were each presented with a beautiful bouquet by Desmond Bogue and Marjory Thorn respectively, the recipients acknowledging the gifts.

Girl Guide Parade. The local company of Girl Guides under Dr. I. Woodhouse (Commissioner),' Misses Nancy Hedley (captain), D. Chamberlain and M. Wheeler (lieutenants), with whom was associated the Brownies Pack under Miss Marion Munro (Laughing Owl), held a church parade to the Mataura Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening, when there was a good congregation, the minister, Rev. David McNeur, occupying the pulpit. Appropriate read-

ings, prayers and hymns were taken, and the preacher gave an excellent address portraying to the guides many lessons from their own teachings. A feature of the service was the singing of two Christmas Carols by the guides, while the choir also rendered two anthems very effectively. Presentation of Prizes. The presentation of prizes to the members of the Young Worshippers! League at the Mataura Presbyterian Church took place at the conclusion of

the morning service on Sunday, when, in the absence of the minister, Rev. D. McNeur, who was preaching at Wyndham, where he delivered the finding of the Presbytery visitation to that congregation, Rev. G. D. Falconer officiated and congratulated the members on the regularity with which they had attended the services throughout the year.