FOXHILL.

Colonist, Volume XLVII, Issue 11432, 11 September 1905, Page 2 (Supplement)

FOXHILL.

September 1. The Schoolroom at Foxhill waf filled to its utmost capacity on Wed< nesday evening with teachers, scholars, parents- and friends, whe had met together to welcome Miss Smith, and to congratulate her or her safe return after an absence oi six years, the greater part of whict was spent in Masulipatam, assisting Miss Brandon, who is not a strange) in the district, she having given ar address on mission work a few year* ago in Wakefield. The Rev. O. R. Hewlett presided, and remarked that; he was verj pleased to have the opportunity oi welcoming Miss Smith back to hei parents, friends, and the district. He also congratulated Miss Smith or her safe return. The Chairman alsc said that we, in New Zealand, could not realize the difficulties that mis sionaries in the far-off fields oi Jndia had to cope with, but was sure most of us admired the self-sac-rifice which prompted men and women to tate up this noble work, and who deserved our heartiest support and fervent prayers for success in their work, and no doubt Miss Smith would be able to tell them something of the nature of her work as a missionary. Mr A. Nejlson also expressed pleasure in being able to congratulate Miss Smith on her safe return from her labors, which he was sure had been as pleasing to her as they had been beneficial to those with whom she had labored. A varied and interesting programme was preceded with, the following ladies and gentlemen taking part:— Duetts :Miss Price and Mr L. Hoult, Misses Palmer and , Price, and the Misses Higgius; solos by the Misses Hunt, Cole, Waters, Fowler and Price, Messrs Field, L. Hoult and Cole. During the evening, Miss Smith gave an interesting account of her work while in India, describing the manners and customs of the people, and testified to the good work being done in the Homes and Orphanages for Women and Children, and by the training of natives in mission work. Miss Smith also mentioned several converts with whom she had been personally connected, and related some wonderful experiences. Miss Smith spoke for upwards of an hour and was listened to with great attention. Miss Smithy thanked all present for expressions of goodwill. At the conclusion of the programme a liberal supply of dainty refreshments was handed round by the Committee of Management, who had worked hard, and deserve great credit for having organised and carried out all the arrangements to such a successful issue at such | short notice, the chief promoters being the Misses, Palmer, and Tarranfc. Before dispersing, the com-

pariy joined in singing a verse of i ithe Natonal Anthem. I