SOCIETY.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 533, 9 March 1889, Page 8

SOCIETY.

[Society items of nil kinds will bo welcome for insertion in this column. A.ll comuvuiicntious should be addrenaefl, '-Society Tlditor, Observer akd Free Lakct?," and should reach this office not. latw v.hrtn Monday raovnin iv each rceen. |

— 0?i dii ih-xi a marriage is on Ihe tapis between a young Pamoll lady and la Novr South Wales squatter.

— On Wednesday evening a pleasant ceremonial eventuated, in which Mr W. E. S. Baxter figured as hero. The gentleman in question, who has for some time filled the role of organist at St. James' Church, was on that occasion presented with a handsome- album. The presentation was made by Mr John Home, on behalf of the members of the choir.

—The best racing- event at ibe Carters' Picnic was a contest for a case of Robertson's whisky, generously donated by Messrs King, Walker and Co.; the second 23i'ize in this spiritual warfare was p, box of prime cigavp, given by Mr •T. George. M" K. Wilson bore off tho alcoholic trophy ; Mr E. Turner as second best got the most puff. A case of earthly glory ending- in smoke.

— A handsome testimonial was presented to the Rev. Father Hackett by the members of St. Patrick's Total Abscainence Society on Friday evening. The presentation, which took the form of an illuminated address and a handsome gold medal, was made by Mr Foley, as a mark of appreciation for the indefatigable exertions made by the rev. gentleman (who is president of the society) in the cause.

— The result of the H.A.C.B. Society's annual meeting 1 shows a capital surplus to the Society's credit. After tho serious pact of the programme, m the shape of business, had beon discussed, the President presented Brother G. Sellavs, on behalf of the District Board, with an officer's collar, a, gorgeous article of apparel in green silk, with handsome gold bullion fringe, the work of Miss Teutenberg. Loud applause greeted the presentation. Two beautiful gold maltese crosses were also handed to him to be presented to Bro. R. P. Lonergan, of Christchurch, and P. Leahy, of Dunedin.

— Mr Percy Fmith, who has been appointed Surveyor General, prior to his departure for the Empire City, was fairly laden with tokens of public and private appreciation. At the meeting of the Crown Lands Board, the late -Assistant Surveyor-General was enthusiastically congratulated on his promotion, and complimented on the efficient way in which he had given his services in the Auckland district. A number of the parishioners of St. Mary's, Parnell. also testified their sense of Mr Smith's exertions as people's warden and member of the Synod, by presenting- him v. ith an elaborately framed pddress, and giving a pretty souvenir to Mrs Smith in the shape of n silver basket jar, sugar basin and bowl, and butter knife.

— The usual summer treat in connection with St Barnabas Sunday School was held in tho spacious grounds of Mr Udy, Epsom, who, with his usual liberality, provided abundance of good things for the delectation of the youngsters. A round of games were indulged in rnder the supervision qf a email, army of teachers, who were strenuous in their endeavours to ensure a good time for the little ones. The successful prize winners were presented with tho reward of their labour by the Eev. S. H. Sprott, M.A., who, with his wif?, was amongst the energetic in amusing the children. Ihe pastor of St. Barnabas is without doubt the most popular as well as one of tho most talented preachers in Auckland. Before falling into rank for the homeward march, the regiment of juveniles gave three hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Udy.