WANGANUI EAST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 19897, 15 September 1913, Page 2

WANGANUI EAST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL SOCIAL

The ninth annual social of the Wanganui East Presbyterian Church was held in the Town Hall on Friday evening, the building being crowded. This year's gathering was of particular interest, as it served to introduce Mr. G. W .Blair, late of the mission fields of Gujarat (India) and the recently elected pastor of ihe Wanganui East Circuit and surrounding districts. Since Mr Blair has occupied the position the church and its agencies have through his zeal and energy reached a high standard of efficiency. The meeting opened with the singing of the 100 th Psalm (two verses), followed by a brief prayer by the chairman, the Rev J. D. McKenzie who in his openings remarks referred briefly to the renewed prosperity of the Presbyterian Church throughout the Dominion. Passing reference was made to the Congress at present assembled at Melbourne. The members of which were united to support Unity and co-operation, and this was being ably backed up by the various churches who were discussing the subject of unity in all its branches. Never before, said the speaker, were there so many agencies at work as there are to-day for the furthering of the brotherhood of man and the welfare of the nation. (Applause.)

A splendid miscellaneous programme of instrumental music, song, recitation, etc., was presented under the direction of Mr W. J. Cuttle (church secretary), and from the applause meted out to the performers, this was greatly enjoyed. The following were the items contributed : Selection, " Under the Colours," by t"he Salvation Army Band (conductor, Bro. Limpus); recitation, "Death in the house," Mr'W. Milne; trombone solo, "The Diver," Mr G. Huhphrey; song, "The promise of Life," Miss Brett; quartette/"Sleep, Baby," St.'Andrew's party; violin selection, "Tours Romance,"'Miss Burnet (encored); recitation, "The Revenge," Rev. David Calder ; song, "The Mighty Deep" Mr Gilby; violin and flute selection, Messrs Newton and Yon Haast; recitation, "Bairnies cuddle doon," Miss Martin (encored); song, "Down the Vale," Mr C. Wadman; selection, "Faith Triumphant," Salvation Army Band. The programme concluded with a character sketch by Mr W. J. Cuttle entitled "Old Mother Hubbard" (revised), his travesty of a well-known entrepreneur who recently visited Wangaimi being highly, amusing. In responding to an imperative recall, he g-ave "the Telephone." Mr G. W. Blair J pastor), in proposing a vote of thanks said' it was pleasant to see so many friends gathered together in the interest of the church, and he took the opportunity of thanking the people of Wanganui East for their extreme kindness to himself and family since they had come to reside in the district. He traced minutely the progress of the church and congratulated the officers and members on the success that bad crowned their efforts. To the Rev Mr. 'McKenzie for presiding, the Army Band for their splendid selections, the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed to the musical programme, and to the ladies who had supplied the refreshment, and to all who had assisted individually •and collectively, their best thanks was due. (Applause.) Mr W. J .Cuttle (church secretary), in seconding the vote of thanks ,abty voiced the sentiments of the mover and expressed on behalf of the committee and officers of the church their appreciation of the kind help towards the success of the social.

After an enjoyable round-table talk over the cup that cheers, the gathering dispersed, iall being satisfied and ready for another year's" stwenuous work.