PRESENTATION TO "IVO."

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 338, 30 May 1885, Page 10

PRESENTATION TO "IVO."

A successful social, gathering of members of the Freethought Syndicate and a number of friends, for the purpose of making a presentation of a purse of sovereigns to " Ivo," ■who has been lecturing here on behalf of the above syndicate in the Opera House lately, ■was held at the Cook-street Hall last Friday night. Mr Dennes presided, and, after making a few pleasant introductory lemarks "as to the object of the gathering, called on Dr. York to say a few words. The Dr. having made one of his characteristic speeches, Mr Cooper addressed the meeting, and expressed the pleasure he felt in seeing so many present on this occasion, and was sure the recipient of the present deserved it, while the large audiences that attended at the Theatre Eoyal during his stay, clearly proved how his lectures were appreciated. He then, on behalf of the Freethough Syndicate, presented "Ivo" with a purse of sovereigns. "Ivo," on rising, was greeted ■with, applause. He thanked them. very much, and he thought he could find little to say after the speeches made by Dr. York and Mr Cooper. He was glad to have such men as co-workers, and hoped some day to be amongst them again. He had. been told that the climates of Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington, were the best in New Zealand, "but, after visiting them, he thought none excelled that of Auckland, and not only was Auckland remarkable^ or climate, but for its public institutions. The library was one of the finest he had ever seen in New Zealand, and you always met with civility, which •was not so in the other places lie had. visited. He again thanked the audience, after which, by request, he gave a recitation. During the evening songs were rendered by the Misses Campbell, Mrs Pick, and Mr Dennes, Mr Webbe playing the accompaniments, and ■were all well received. The evening's amusement concluded with a programme of twenty-four dances, -to the music of those efficient players, Mrs Hertz (piano) and Mr Davidson (violin). Too much praise cannot he given to Messrs Dennes, McKinlay, and Harper, for their exertions to provide amusement for those present. The honour of belle, amongst the young ladies, undoubtedly belonged to Miss M. McKinlay (pink satin, trimmed with spotted chenille, silver jewellery). The following are a list of the most noticeable dresses worn :— Miss Craig, black grenadine, jet jewellery ; Miss Blake, black silk, black satin trimmings, gold jewellery ; Miss Ronayne, pink, sateen, white muslin; Miss K. Campbell, black velvet, gold jewellery; Miss Z. Campbell, black velvet, gold jewellery ; Miss Kitchie, brown cashmere, silver jewellery. Married : — Mrs Mead, black satin skirt, silver ornaments, black brochured top, gold jewellery; Mrs MacKinlay, black brocaded velvet, silk trimmings, gold jewellery ; Mrs York, black brocaded satin, gold jewellery ; Mrs "Ivo," black silk, gold jewellery; Mrs Campbell (junior) light blue nun's veiling, pink trimmings, silver jewellery ; Mrs Craig, black silk, brochure trimmings, gold jewellery; Mrs Campbell (senior) " brown silk ; Mrs Webbe, white muslin, gold jewellery; Mrs Bitchie, black cashmere. A lady in black Telvet looked very nice.