ENJOYABLE SOCIAL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 120, 26 June 1914, Page 4

ENJOYABLE SOCIAL.

A thoroughly enjoyable time was spent by the members of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., and their friends nnd relatives last night, ' when a wellplanned social was held in the Alexandra Hall. There was an attendance of between four and five hundred, including visitors from other towns and districts, as well as the local contingent, and the opportunity for meeting thus, in a social way, and discussing matters of mutual interest, was fully taken advantage of by all who could possibly do so. The social commenced with a musical programme, which was held in the upstairs hall. Mr E. W. Belph, president of the Co-op. Choral and Orchestral Society (which numbers 50 members), gave a few introductory remarks concerning the society, which he stated had only been in existence six weeks, but which would nevertheless do its best to amuse and entertain the huge audience which they faced. A very excellent programme followed, the choral and orchestral items being produced under the direction of Mr A. W. Jamieson, the assistant manager, who acted as conductor. The orchestra commenced with the march, "The Great Divide," by way of overture, and subsequent items included von W. Aletter's delightful " Rendezvous." Herman Fh'.ek's "In the Shadows," and the haunting "Barcarolle" from the "Tales of Hoffman" (Offenbach). The opening chorus by the Choral Society and Orchestra, "The Fun is About to Start," was a" happy outbarst — "Fellow folk, forgive this outburst, but burst out we really must It is meet that we should shout first, we must shout e'en if we— We are people with a purpose, and that purpose is to sing If you'll only come and listen, we will make the welkin ring. What a welkin is we know not, still 'tis written of and sung. As we live by ringing welkins, then the^welkin must be rung! " A quartet, "He that hath a Pleasant Face," followed, and Miss J. Duff sang Guy d'Hardelot's pretty song, "Because, '' very acceptably. Miss M. E. Williams, a pretty dark-haired girl in a dress of yellow brocade, recited Adelaide Proctor's "Story of a Faithful Soul,'' which is founded on an old .French legend. The part, song, "Men of Harlech," was rendered specially attractive by the interlopation of extra j verses, appropriate to the occasion, the soloists being Miss Wright, Miss J. Duff, end Mr J. Sutherland. The final ps.rt song was "Goodbye," —an appropriate finish for the vocal portion of the programme. Mr Hill, of Wellington, on behalf of the visitors, expressed hearty gratitude for the entertainment to which they had just listenedj and complimented them highly on their performance. He had been amazed to learn from Mr Relph 's introductory remarks that the society had only been in existence for six weeks, and, speaking as a man who had had considerable experience in conducting musical bodies, he thought their progress was really remarkable. Speaking of the association generally lie said that people in the North Island looked upon it as one of the most live bodies in the Dominion. It was always regarded as a firm that could supply anything from the proverbial needle to the proverbial anchor, and he supposed that now they would add music to their stock-in-trade! Continuing in this facetious vein, he drew an imaginary picture of the fame that would eventually descend upon the Co-op. Orchestra, so' that no one would dream of being buried, married, or born without its presence. He spoke further of the good feeling engendered between employer and employee by means of social gatherings such as the present, at which they all met on common ground, as it were., Mr Relph, on behalf of the society, suitably acknowledged Mr Hill's remarks. At the conclusion of the concert, progressive euchre was played in the concert hall, and iu an adjoining room ping-pong was indulge.l in. A nice supper was served at long tables in the supper room downstairs, and dancing was afterwards held in the large hall. Altogether a very happy timeVas spent by all who attended.