ENTERTAINMENT AT MARSH MEADOWS.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 112, 27 March 1897, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT AT MARSH MEADOWS.

On Thursday evening a very enjoyable entertainment was given in the schoolroom, Marsh Mea-iows. There was a good attendance, especially so considering the unsettled weither, and those who attended certainly had no cause to regret doing so. Tnere were several visitors from Hamilton. The feature of the evening was a lecture by the Rev. J. M. Mitchell, entitled " A Nicht at Dramtochty," which is based upon lan Maelareivs wonderful book, " Beside the Bonnie Biicr Bush." As a faithful portrayal of the true Scottish character this work stands unrivalled, and when treated by such a speaker as Mr Mitchell au additional charm, if that is possible, is given to the story. Mr Mitchell commnced by referring to the innate desire of all Scottish parents to have one son " wag his hoid in a pulpit"— i.e., be a minister —and the self-denial they will undergo in order to enable the boy to take a course at the university is sometimes very severe, but it is uncomplainingly endured in order to gratify their wish. Even this has its pathetic side, tor threefourths of the country lads succumb during or just at the finish ot their course, so arduous is their stndy combined with the change of surroundings and confinement in the towns. This supplies the theme for some of the most touching incideuts in the story. All through the recital pathos and humour were cleverly blended, and the audience were convulsed witli laughter one minute while at the next it was difficult for hardened mill 1o keep dry eyes. If there were any present who held the opinion that the Scotch are a phlegmatic race, who have little or no conception of the sublime and the ridiculous, wo imagine they left the Marsh Meadows Schoolroom on Thursday evening with quite a different opinion. The beauty of the characters ot "Georilie" Howe, the doctor, the dominie, and others was vividly painted, and there can be uo denying that Mr Mitchell has established his reputation as a lecturer, which we believe will be conclusively-confirmed when he delivers his promised lecture on " The Life of Burns " on behalf of .the Hamilton Library. Dining the evening the following contributed vocal and ' instrumental selections :—Mesdames Farley and Kiuioiman, Misses Aliely, Liheau and Kcid (of Hamilton), and Mr Libeau. Mrs Farley played all the necessary accompaniments. The proceedings were brought to a close with a vote of thanks to Mr Mitchell and the others who had assisted, which was proposed by the chairman (Mr Hutchinson), seconded byMrliunoiman, and carried by acclamation.