RO0XBURGH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1142, 6 May 1885, Page 5

ROOXBURGH.

(From an Occasional Correspondent.) The annual anniversary meeting of the Roxburgh Presbyterian Church was celebrated on Thursday evening, 30th ult., iv the Athenaeum Hall, by a tea meeting and service of song (" Eva "), when there were nearly 200 in attendance. The eatables, of which there was an abundant supply, were of the best quality, the name of the caterer (Mr W. Crossan) being a sufficient guarantee. The tables presented quite a picturesque appearance, the viands being interspersed with vases of beautiful flowers, artistically arranged by the ladies. The young ladies who presided at the tables looked so charming that it was almost impossible for the most fastidious to resist their winning looks and entreaties ; the elder ladies, at the same time, performing their part as only experts could do. The following are the names of the ladies who presided at the tables :—: — Mesdames Mercer, Andrew, Smith, Uren, and M'lntosh ; and Misses Elder (2), Burgess (2), Cully, Oudaille, Gilbert, Kinaston, Thomson, and Allan. All having satisfied themselves with the good things, the tables were cleared and the hall comfortably seated. The Rev. Mr Telford took the chair aud gave a brief address, in the course of which he said it was characteristic of these meetings in Roxburgh to be attended by members of all denominations, and concluded by referring to the nature of the service of song. The choir, which was a strong one, then sung the first chorus in good style. The Rev. Mr Fraser gave the connective readings in an able and effective manner. Mr J. Burton presided at the American organ with his usual ability. " Home, sweet Home," was sung as a duet in good voice and harmony by Mesdames T. Andrew and Uren, and was well received. The solo, "Tired," by Miss Cully was sung with taste and expression, notwithstanding that it was her first appearance in public as a soloist. Miss E. Thomson gave a very nice rendition of the solo " Thou art passing away." Solo, "Hope," was done full justice to by Mrs T. Andrew, and was well received. The quartette, "We watched her breathing," by Miss Burgess, Mrs Uren, and Messrs Murdock and R. Cockburn, was a capital item ; and the duet, " He wipes a tear from every eye," by Miss Oudaille and Mrs Uren, was exceedingly well rendered, their voices blending very nicely. This item was well received by the audience— in fact, the whole of the musical selections were well received, being roundly applauded. Such a result must have been very gratifying to Mr Mercer (conductor of the choir), and all who had spent a good deal of time practising the various pieces for the occasion. The Rev. Mr Fraser proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies in the highest complimentary terms, which, was most enthusiastically responded to, as were also the votes proposed to the Rev. Mr Fraser (by Mr Murdoch), to the choir and Mr Mercer (by Mr R. M. Smith, M.C.C.), to Messrs Burton and Murdock and members of other churches (by Mr Mercer), and to the Chairman, the Rev. Mr Telford (by Mr Andrew). The last-named gentleman stated that, after expenses were deducted, about £33 would be available for the object for which tbe affair was got vp — viz., the fencing fund of the church. The singing of the National Anthem brought to a close one of the most enjoyable evenings we have had in Roxburgh for a considerable time"past. The Rev. Mr Fraser preached in the Presbyterian Church, Roxburgh, on Sunday, morning and evening, to large con-! gregations. In the morning he preached from Ezekiel, chapter xxxvn., verse 10 : "So I prophesied, as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceeding great army." From these words Mr Fraser gave a most able and, impressive sermon ; as also in the evening from the first three verses of the 40th Psalm.

Mr Matthew Burnett favored 113 this evening in the Athenaeum with one of his Gospel Temperance lectures, graphically illustrating scenes of his own personal observation from all ranks and conditions of men and women, with a fervor that would almost persuade you that the par* ties of whom he was speaking were before you. The attendance was not large, due no doubt from three causes — viz., the very inclement weather prevailing during the day, the darkness of the night, and the short notice of the meeting. Nevertheless, a good number donned the " wee bit o' blue." The Rev. Mr Fraser presided. The Rev. Mr Telford proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Burnett, which was carried by acclamation. The meeting was closed by the Rev. Mr Fraser pronouncing the benediction. 4th May, 1885.

Lovely Climes.— There arelovely climes and places in which the evening zephyrs are loaded with malaria and the poison of fever and epidemics. To dwell there in health is impossible, without a supply of Hop Bitters at hand. These American Co.'s Bitters impart an equalizing strength to the system; and prevent the accumulation of deadly spores of contagion: Be sure and see. For continuation of Naws % see Fourth Page.

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