TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 309, 2 July 1898, Page 3

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CAMBRIDGE.

A most successful and enjoyable soiree was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Cambridge, on Wednesday evening, to commemorate the opening of the new church. Of late soirees have been on the downward course in that town ; but when the Presbyterians undertake one, they leave no stone unturned to make it a success, and that accounts for the bumper house that rewarded their efforts on Wednesday. On the occasion referred to a departure was made from the regular course, in that the tea was put upon the tables at six o'clock, instead of half an hour after that time. This was an innovation that was much appreciated, as everyone was able to enjoy a good meal, listen to the concert and reach home at a reasonable hour. Another innovation that was also much appreciated was restricting the speakers to five minutes each. We believe both the audience and the speakers appreciated the changeperhaps the latter more than the former. It is many years since we were at a Cambridge concert at which the larrikins behaved themselves so well. It was a treat to have applause without any whistling, and we sincerely trust that will be the rule in the future. The following ladies provided the comestibles, etc., and presided at the tables : Medames J. Taylor, J. Young, J. M. Hally, J. Anderson, H. Ferguson, W. Rout, R. Fisher, T. Brown and G. Watt. There were no less than three relays before everyone was satisfied, and that alone bears testimony to the excellence of the viands provided, if such were necessary. After the tea was over the tables were cleared away, and the seats arranged the concert commenced. The first item on the pro&ramme was an address from the Minister, the Rev. T. Scott, but that gentleman did not even occupy the five minutes allowed him, and then the Orchestra opened the musical portion of the evening's entertainment with theoverture "Couronne D'Or." It went withspirit and showed that the Society has made a distinct advance since it has been under the able tuition of the conductor, Mr J. H. Edwards. Miss Garland followed with " The River of Years," for which she was much applauded. Ihen Mr Edgar Walton gave a splendid rendering of Trotere's grand song, " The Deathless Army." It has a martial ring about it that is very taking, and Mr Walton did it full justice. Of course he was encored, and in compliance gave " A Boatswain's Story." The next performer was Miss Gray, who h;..d not previously appeared before a Cambridge audience. The song she chose was " The Last Milestone." She has a pleasing soprano voice, but the song was somewhat marred by being taken too slowly ; however, it met with considerable applause. The Rev. Mr Canuell then took his five minutes' turn, in which he complimented the Presbyterians on having so successfully built their new church, and wished them and their pastor Godspeed. The Rev. J. M. Mitchell then sang " Cleansing Fires." His efforts were somewhat discounted owing to the accompanist having to play from music that was minus a leaf. Miss Peterson followed with " Call Me Back," a song with a pretty violin obligato, which was ably played by Miss Kingsford. The singer acquitted herself well, and narrowly escaped an encore. The orchestra then played the overture, " Loin du Pays." The Rev. J. McKenzie then occupied a minute or two in telling how he had enjoyed his visit to Cambridge, after which Miss Gray sang " The Holy City " in a manner that gained her considerable applause. Miss Garland and Mr Walton gave an excellent rendering of the duet, "The Sea of Glass;" their voices blended beautifully, and they were vociferously encored. They complied by repeating the latter portion of it. Mrs F. W. Cooke sang a pretty little German song, entitled " Las't Night." It had rather a, plaintive tone in it, but, nevertheless, it was to the liking of the audience, and the singer had to respond to an encore. She substituted "Dear Heart." The next ifcem on the programme was a "Fatherly Address" by the Rev. W. Evans. The late pastor said he felt like an old three-decker laid up in dock, that on state occasions was brought out and was allowed to fire off a little blank cartridge. He then trotted out a couple of his .ever-verdant aud appropriate anecdotes, and concluded with an eloquent and earnest appeal to the members of all the churches to support one another in the good cause. The Rev. J. M. Mitchell sang "Only Remembered," and Mias Peterson followed with Bishop's florid song, "Bid Me Discourse," which exhibited her fine voice to advantage. Mr Walton was encored for his rendering of the " Village Blacksmith," and responded with " The Yeoman's Wedding." That only increased the applause, and the singer had to comply with the re-demand. He gave " Father O'Flynn," and that caused so much applause that it was with difficulty the Rev. Scott prevailed upon the audience to be quiet. Braga's "Serenade," sung by Miss Garland, assisted by Miss Kingsford and Mr Edwards on the violin and contra bass respectively, was excellently rendered and much appreciated, and a March by the orchestra terminated the programme. Mr Brooks, on behalf of the authorities, thanked all who had in any way assisted in making the meeting such a success, after which it was formally closed. We trust, aud have every reason to believe, that the church funds will receive a material increase from the meetu g above referred to.