WAIORONGOMAI SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 195, 19 March 1887, Page 2

WAIORONGOMAI SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

On Sundny last Anniversary Sermons in connection with the above Sunday School were preached in the Public Hall, Waiorongomai, by Rev. Mr Lawry, Wesleyan Minister, from Pukekohe, the newly-appointed minister for the Uppo. Tlmmes Circuit. On both occasions there were very large congregations, excellent singing, ond good collections. In connection with the anniversary a tea and public meeting was held the following evening in the same building. The hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens for the occasion, and across the whole front of the stage vases containing flowers were placed, the effect being very pleasing. The attendance was very large, the builuing being comfortably filled and the tea provided included an abundance of good things, such as is usually found on similar occasions. Mesdames T. Goldsworthy, Adams' Beeson, Jennings, H. Goldsworthy Scott, J. Goldsworthy, and Munro presided at the tables, and were ably assisted in attending to the wants of those assembled by a number of willing helpers. Tea over, and the hall having been set in order, the public meeting was held commencing about a quarter to eight' Mir H. Buttle (late of Waiorongomai now of Annandale Pialco), presided by special request. After the meeting had been opened with a hymn and prayer i the Chairman, in a short address expressed the pleasure ho felt at meeting so many Waiorongomai friends again! | complimented them on such a successful | gathering-, referred to the privilege they enjoyed in having a Sunday School amongst them, and urged regular attendance on the port of the children. After a duet by Mesdames Darby and Goldsworthy, the Rev. Jas. Marshall delivered an address on " The Value of . Sunday Schools to the Children," in the ! course of which he contrasted the advantages children in New Zealand enjoyed as compared with the children of the working class in the Old Country. In concluding, he expressed the wish that he could see such an audience as was : there present at his Sunday services at i Waiorongomai. After a quartette by Misses May and Ethel Goldsworthy, Foreman, and Ellery, Mr D. Whytock, of Auckland, addressed the meeting. He referred to his experience in connection with Ragged Schools at Home, to the importance of personal influence in this work, and remarked that zeal and earnest prayer should ever characterise those engaged in it. Miss Ethel hirst next sans " Will you meet me at the Fountain" ; after which the Chairman called upon Rev. T. A. Joughin for an address, and in doing so remarked that although Mr Joughin was, owing to Conference arrangements, about ro leave the district, they hoped at some foture period he would again come to labour amongst them. In his address Mr Joughin referred to the great need of co-operation in order for success in Sunday School work: complimented the Superintendent Mr Devey on the state of the school, and expressed the hope he would no longer be handicapped in the work through lack of teachers. After a duet by Mesdames Darby and Goldswovtliy, Mr Devey addressed the meeting. In doing so, he referred to the difficulties he had experienced in starting the school, but stated that there was now an average attendance of eighty scholars. They were in need of funds, and he hoped the people would help them out of this difficulty. After the usual votes of thanks the meeting concluded with singing and the Benediction. Special hymns were printed and circulated for the occasion, and the singing excellent both as regards the children col lectively, and the individual pieces. Miss Mason presided at the harmonium with customary ability. Much credit is due to Mr Devey and those who so ably assisted him in connection with the anniversary meeting.~( Supplied).