PAPAROA WESLEYAN MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 166, 7 October 1892, Page 5

PAPAROA WESLEYAN MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.

“A LADIES EVENING.” An expectant crowd gathered in the Paparoa Wesleyan Church on Wednesday evening, September 21st, under the auspices of the above Society, to witness perhaps one of the most novel entertainments which has ever been h eld here. It was the occasion of a “ ladies ’ ’ evening ; the programme had been arranged by a number of the lady members, and was given almost wholly by lady performers. Nearly one hundred assembled ; this being the first time an undertaking of this kind had been projected, a treat was probably expected, and judging from the remarks we heard passed afterwards the audience were not disappointed. After joining in singing the hymn ‘ My heart and voice I raise,’ followed by the usual devotional exercises, the President, the Rev J. J. Mather, gave vent to his feelings in a humorous speech, which bubbled over with that gentlemans’ usual witty remarks. The other formal business having been proceeded with, the President and Secretary vacated their positions, Miss M. Hunter, the “dominie” of the Homestead School, taking the Chair, and Miss A. M. Devin (Mareretu), occupying the Secretary’s 1 kingly throne.’

The lady-President, in a brief opening speech, addressed the audience. I cannot, however, give the readers of the Bell the benefit of her remarks in full. The following interesting programme was then brought before the audience : Song, with ‘ invisible chorus ’ ‘ Children’s Voices,’ Mrs O. C. Hamea and others ; Recitation, from Longfellow’s ‘ Hiawatha,’ Miss P. Hames; Song, ‘Roses underneath the Snow,’ Mrs Spick ; Duet, ‘We are two Roving Minstrels.’ Misses Nutsford (Mareretu) ; Song, ‘ Yesterday,' Mrs Howard ; Recitation, ‘ The Bridge of Sighs,’ Miss _ Devin ; Song, 1 The Cradle Song of the poor,’ Mrs Hames ; Reading (from Mrs Caudle’s Curtain Lectures), Miss Hunter ; Song, ‘ Little Nell,’ Miss Devin ; Duet, ‘ Hearts and Homes,’ Misses A. and A. Cliff. As a concluding selection we were favoured with the ‘ Bonaparte ’ March, rendered by Miss B. Tibbits. During the evening a lively debate on the question of - Women’s Suffrage ’ took place, seven of the members part. The speeches given by the debaters appeared to contribute considerably to the amusement of the large audience. Several ladies were amongst the speakers On the question being put to the meeting, an overwhelming majority declared against granting toe franchise to women. This item proved one of the most interesting of the evening. During the meeting a collection in aid of the funds for painting the chapel, which by the way, badly requires attention, was taken up, realisingclose on two pounds. A vote of thanks to the ladies who had assisted to bring- the iiroject to a successful issue, was proposed by Mr G. Wilson, seconded by Mr T. E. W, Skelton, and carried with applause. The usual criticism was of course dispensed with. The musical items were creditably rendered and evoked merited applause. The whole affair was certainly a success, and speaks well for the enterprise of the ladies in carrying the project through in such a praiseworthy manner. —[Own Corresjiondent.]