St. Matthew’s New Church, Auckland.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XVIII, 3 May 1902, Page 827

St. Matthew’s New Church, Auckland.

Ope of the most important events in the ecclesiastical history of Auckland took place on Wednesday, when the foundation stone of St. Matthew’s stone church was laid by His Excellency the Governor with full Masonic honours. A large crowd gathered to witness the ceremony, every available inch of room on the site being crowded with interested spectators.

The ceremony was the consummation of years of patient waiting. Amongst those present who were accommodated with front seats were Captain Mitchell and Mrs Coombes, two of the oldest living members of St. Matthew’s congregation. The Masonic gathering was one of the largest held by the craft in this city, a feature being the public appearance together of all the four Constitutions of the .order. 'Jhe members of the various lodges assembled in the lecture hall at the Y.M.C.A. Buildings, where after the lodge was dulyopened the brethren received instructions as to the order of procession from R.W. Bro. George H. Powley, P.G.W., and Grand Director of Ceremonies. The brethren then filed out and were marshalled in Albert-street by Bro. Powley, aided by the assistant directors of ceremonies, Bro. W. W. Day, Bros. Wm. Caron, and Bro. Captain Grant. The Grand Ledges of the various Constitutions then joined the procession, which moved off to the church, the junior- lidges leading. The Grand Master, Bro, A. S. Russell, came last, with the officers of the Grand Lodge, N.Z.C. There were also present: Bro. C. C. McMillan, D.G.M. of E.C., Acting-Deputy Grand Master for the day; Bro. W. J. Bees. P.D. G.M.. of T.C., Acting Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Wm. McCullough, P.D. G.M. of the S.C., Acting-Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Archdeacon Calder, Grand Chaplain; and Bro. Malcolm Niccol, Grand Secretary. The subordinate lodges of the various Constitutions were well represented, the W.M. and officers of the principal lodges attending in regalia, and making an impressive display. The procession marched to St. Matthew’s Church where the opening service was held.

AT THE CHURCH

The ceremony began with a short service in the church. The clergy and the men and boys of the massed choirs from the various churches assembled at the schoolroom, and at a quarter-past twelve marched to the church, where they were met by the Most Rev. the Primate (Bishop Cowie) and his chaplains (the Revs. C. M. Nelson and E. M. Cowie). The following clergy were present: —Canons Mac Murray and Haselden, the Rev. Dr. O’Callaghan, the Revs. W. E. Gillam, Marshall, J. T. Davies, J. K. Davis, Du Rieu, Carver, Kirkbride. Beck, Fowler, Budd, Tisdall, McWilliam, Harrison, Aston, Cubitt, Watson, Dobson, Devenish, and Wilson. The Rev. W. Gray Dixon. Moderator of the, Auckland Presbytery, was also present. Among those present in the procession were the theological students from St. John’s College. On arrival at the church the clergy, choirs and Freemasons took up their positions, and the public, who had been kept out up till this time, quickly filled all the remaining space in the church. The Freemasons occupied the central seats. The service began with the singing of hymn 239, “ Christ is Our Cornerstone,” as the procession entered the church. Then was said a Collect, followed by the Lord’s Prayer. Then was sung Psalm 122, “ I was Glad When They Said Unto Me, Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord,” and Psalm 132, “Lord, Remember David.” Then was read the lesson, I. Chronicles xxix. to v 21. After this followed the Te Deum (Westbury’s seting). The effect of the massing of

the choirs was seen in this, the music being splendidly sung. The Primate then gave a short address. He said: —“It is half a century since the people of St. Matthew’s with the help of outside friends began to collect funds for the erection of a permanent church on this site. Scarcely any of those who contributed to the fund are still with us. Owing to the circumstances of the colony in earlier days, and as a result cf the careful management of the building fund by the trustees, the comparatively small sum originally obtained has grown to what it is at the present time. A beautiful design has been provided for the permanent church; and the people of the diocese will be much disappointed if it is not carried out in its entirety. Should the funds now available not be sufficient for this purpose, the present parishioners will, no doubt, exert themselves to make up the deficiency. Our gratitude to those who have done so much for St. Matt.hew’s in the past will be shown test by our following their example in this matter.”

Then followed the processional hymn, “The Church's one foundation,” sung with very much impressiveness by the whole assembly. This concluded the service in the church.

This over, the Primate, clergy and choir preceded the Grand Master and Brethren to the Wellesley-street gate, the choir - taking up the places reserved for them. The. Primate, accompanied by his chaplain, and his commissary (Rev. Canon Nelson), took liis seat in the reserve roped off round the stone- The Grand Lodges took up their position first in the same enclosure, the other Brethren filling the space reserved for them. Brothers Alex. S. Russell (Grand Master of N.Z. Con.), C. C. McMillan -D.G.M., E.C.). W. JRees (P.G.M, of I.C), W. McCullough (P.G.M., S.C., North Island), M. Niccol (Gen Sec), Arch. Calder (Grand Chaplain), and the cup and tool bearers of the Grand Lodge marched between the other Ledges to the central enclosure. Just before one o’clock cheers announced the arrival of His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, and a moment later the Governor’s carriage arrived, escorted by a detachment of the Auckland Mounted Rifles. His Excellency and Lady' Ranfurly, who were accompanied by the Hon. C. Hill Trevor, A.D.C., and Capt. Boscawen, Hot>. A-D.C., were conducted to the enclosure round the stone, while the choirs sang “God Save the King,” which was taken up by the assembly The Grand Master, Mr. A. S. Russell, opened the actual service with an address, in which he set forth the duties of Masons. He said they were the possessors of secrets, concealed from all men, which had been banded down from the remote past, and it devolved on them to preserve those secrets inviolate, that they might be transmitted to posterity. They - were assembled to assist in building a house which they prayed God to prosper if it seemed good to him. It was the first duty of Masons to invoke the blessing of the Great Architect of the universe on anything they undertook, and he asked them to join with the Grand Chaplain in prayer. Archdeacon Calder, Grand Chaplain, then led in prayer, after which the choir sang the anthem, “Behold, How Good” (vlarke).

The M.W. the Grand Master then directed the Grand Secretary to deposit within a cavity of the stone the following memorials of the event and period:

A “Star” of the previous evening and a “Herald” of the same morning, a number of the first postage stamps issued in King Edward’s reign, a copy of the latest “Church Gazette,” the latest report of St. Matthew’s vestry, a piece of oak from the Can-

terbury Cathedral, built in the 11th century, • piece of atone from St. Aidan’s monastery. Holy Island, a photograph of a letter from Bishop Belwyn to the Archbishop of Canterbury, accepting the see of New Zealand, and the following letter, written on parchment:— “This stone was laid on Wednesday, 23rd April, Anno Lucis 5902, Anno Domini 1902, with Masonic honours, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand! Bro. A. S. Russell and His Excellency the Governor, Bro. the Kight Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly. The estimated eost of the building is about £30,000, and it is to be erected out of accumulated funds raised by subscription commencing in 1853, and started and husbanded for many years by the late Mr T. Weston. In the year 1863 the funds had increased to £5OOO. and the vestry resolved to erect a wooden church out of other funds, and to trust and hope that in twenty or thirty years their children would be able to erect such a building as was to be erected.” Here follow the names of the architect, vicar, wardens and vestry of St. Matthew’s and the contractors for the new church. The Grand Master said the memorials would be so placed as to withstand the fray of the elements, and bear witness to the energy nnd culture of the time, when in the future five foundations of the church might be laid bare.

The M.W. Grand Master (Bro. A. f? Russell) then said with the assistance of the members of the worshipful order present he would proceed to well and truly lay the cornerstone. The working-tools were then delivered by the architect to the M.W. Grand Master, who presented the square, level and plumb-rule to the District and Provincial Grand Masters. This ceremony was saluted by the brethren with grand honours once. This was followed by the choir singing, “ All Glory to the Lord on High.” The stone was then lowered to the second mark, and saluted with grand honours twice, and was followed by the same chant. The stone was then lowered to the base and bedded, and was saluted with grand honours three times, followed by the same chant- The spectacle of the many white-gloved hands rising together as the Masonic grand honours were paid was a very novel and striking sight. The M.W. Grand Master then said: “ This stone has been tried and proved by the proper instruments of masonry. They found it well and skilfully done in accordance with the rites of the ancient order of Masons. I have therefore pleasure in handing to the Governor the gavel and inviting him to declare the stone laid.”

The Governor then accepted the gavel, and after tapping the stone declared it well and truly laid. An invocation by the Grand Chaplain, after which the instruments of his office were handed to the architect, Mr E. Bartley, by the W.M. The stone, which bears the following inscription:—- “St. Matthew’s Church, Laus Deo. This stone was laid by His Excellency the Governor of this colonjjp,the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., St. George's Day, 1902,” is of Mount Eden basalt and weighs about a ton and a half. It forms a portion of the base of the tower and faces Wellesley-street. The work of making and inscribing the stone was carried out by Mr W. Thomas. The trowel bore on its face a representation of the new church, and ou its reverse side was the inscription: “Presented to Hie Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., Governor of NewZealand.on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of St. Matthew’s Church, Auckland, St. George's Day, 1902.” The mallet, which was presented by the architect, bore a silver plate inscribed: “St. Matthew's Church, Auckland, St. George’s Day, 1902.”

The M.W. and Grand Master then called upon the elements of consecration—corn, oil and wine—to be poured out upon the stone. Corn, oil and wine were then poured out upon the stone by the brethren appointed for the purpose.

THE GRANDMASTER’S SPEECH. The Most Worshipful the Grand Master (Brother A. S. Russell) then addressed the assembly. He said that words failed him to express the pleasure he and all Masons felt in contributing by their efforts to place as firmly as on a rock this temple, in which would be placed another of the many pulpits from which have been preached glory to God and peace and goodwill towards men. Occasions of this kind were deemed opportune by the head of the craft. From time immemorial it had been the pleasant duty of the craft to take part in laying the corner stone of edifices such as this, thus contributing to the public weal, from days of the Roman colleges of builders from which they claimed to be descended. The symbolism of the corner stone was full of significance, as it must be a perfect square, and its solid contents a cube. The square was the symbol of morality, and the cube of truth. The stone was set between the north, the direction of darkness, aud the east, the direction of light, illustrating the Masonic progress from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. The permanency of this corner’ stone, which would remain firm after the building fell away into decay, was intended to remind Masons of the sure foundations of immortality. Thus Masons and all men must stand the crucial test before being judged by the Master of all souls to be worthy of a place in the eternal house. This work they, as Masons, felt they had peculiar claims to do by the right of heredity. The Grand Master then proceeded to trace briefly the origin of the order, and said that the tools of the operative sense had become the symbols of the speculative sense. Their institution was founded on the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth, which were built upon faith, hope and charity. Their charity extended to all men, and their faith was in the promises of the Great Architect, and their hope in that immortality promised to all who should follow the Master. Surely such an institution, founded on such principles, must command the respect of the world. His Excellency then addressed the assembly. He said the stone was the commencement of a work contemplated fifty years ago, and some of the original subscribers were now alive. One of those who collected for the fund when it first began had written that the church that was to be built was not to be unworthy of the great purpose to which it was to be dedicated, so that it would be an example to settlers in church architecture, and lead to the erection of good churches throughout the land. The money they had collected had now arrived at such a figure that that church hadbeen commenced, and it was believed that it would be the finest church building in New Zealand, thus carrying out the wishes expressed by the writer. He concluded by saying, “May this building not only be a thing of beauty, but also a benefit and cause of good to the city of Auckland.”

Then followed hymn 394 (A. and M.) during the singing of which a collet tion was taken up for mission work in the parish of St. Matthew’#? The Benediction was then pronounced by the Primate, and shortly afterwards the Governor and Ladv Ranfurly took their departure amid cheers from the assembled Masons. Thus ended a very impressive ceremony.

Ihe Masons then re-formed and marched to the Y.M.C.A., where the Lodge was again tyled before the brethren dispersed. Luncheon in the Strand Cafe followed, and to-night a conversazione will be held in the Choral Hall, the proceeds going towards the Parish Mission. DESCRIPTION of the church. The church, when completed, will be the finest in the colony, though not quite so large as the Christchurch Cathedral. It was designed by Mr F. L. Pearson, the leading ecclesiastical architect of the world. Oamaru O.K. stone will be used throughout in the construction, the plinth consisting of three feet of bluestone. The main entrance will face Hob-son-street, while the spire will be on the north-eastern corner, nearest

Wellesley-street. There wiH be two entrance doors, to the main porch, leading into separate aisles. The main body of the church Is 79 feet long by 76 feet wide, and further seating accommodation is provided in a gallery above the western entrance. The nave will be thirty feet wide and nearly fifty feet high, with bold cross arches. It will be flanked by double aisles, which will be kept low and vaulted. This will allow of a lofty nave clerestory, affording ample light and ventilation. The design of the chancel provides ample width for the stalls and other fittings, aud for an ambulatory all round. This portion of the church, as also the chapel and tower, will be vaulted in stone. The south transept will have a simple open timber roof, and will be lighted by a large window at the end. The tower will be surmounted by a steeple, the total altitude of both to be 204 feet. The lower •portion of the tower will be utilised as part of the morning chapel, which will be on this side of the church, and will have a direct entrance from Wellesley-street, and convenient communication with the vestries below. The ladies’ choir will be on the north side, behind the choir stalls. There will be spacious accommodation for the organ in the south-west portion of the building in a loft above the level of the congregation. The pulpit is on the righthand side of the church. The main body of the church is lighted by side windows, ten being placed in each wall, as well as by large windows in the east and west sides. The vestry accommodation will be wholly in the basement. Ventilation will be provided for by introducing fresh air through the sills of the lower windows, with external gratings and internal hit-and-miss valves. The wood-work will be mainly kauri, while for the choir stalls and altar tables rimu will be used. The pulpit and font will be of stone, and altar rails of brass. The roof will be slated. The total cost of the church will be £30,000, and the contract time for its completion is three years. The design is a replica on a small scale of Truro Cathedral, designed and built by the same firm. The fund for the erection of the church was commenced as far back as 1852. The first name appearing in the list of subscribers is that of the late Archdeacon Lush. The amount collected in Auckland was, in round numbers, £2OO. In 1859 the Rev. F. Thatcher, the first incumbent of the parish, while on a visit to England, collected £3OO among his personal friends. From this small beginning the fund has grown, by careful investments, to its present proportions. When Mr James Burtt, one of the present trustees, took office in 1874 the fund amounted to £5827. In 1860-1 about £5OO was paid out of the fund for a stone foundation, upon which the present church is erected. On an examination, however, by Colonel Mould, of the Royal Engineers, he condemned it as being utterly inadequate to support a stone building. But for the withdrawal of this £5OO the fund would be very much greater at the present time.

The trustees invested the moneys entrusted to them in town and country properties. It is worthy of notice that in the worst times of commercial depression, when several loan institutions were obliged to suspend operations, the trustees were able to report that the fund had not suffered to any appreciable extent. Perhaps no trust in Auckland has been so economically managed, and none could show fewer losses. It is an evidence of the way in which “money makes money” that the fund, which, started at £ 500, 44 years ago, has grown, by shrewd and prudent investment, to about £ 30,000. HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. The following brief epitome of the history of St. Matthew’s Church, taken from the parish records, will be read with interest not only by the congregation but by all Aucklanders who cherish those old associations, becoming ever fainter, which link the present of our fair city to its past. In July of next year it will be exactly half a century since the first steps were taken towards the erection of the beautiful edifice, the foundationstone of which was laid last week. One evening in that month (1853) some 30 members of the church met in the edifice which then served as

th» parish place of worship, and now forms the central portion of the school recently removed to make room for the new building. The incumbent, the Rev. F. Thatcher, was in the chair, and the business before the meeting was the formation of a committee of management to arrange financial matters in the parish, and to take steps to raise funds for the erection of a church. The only Anglican city churches then in existence were St. Paul’s, at the top of Short-land-street, and St. Barnabas’, Parnell. The committee was duly formed and took the matter in hand.

In December, 1858, the population of the parish having considerably increased, the place of worship was enlarged, at a cost of £lOl. At this time the Rev. David Jones was acting as locum tenens for Mr Thatcher, who was absent in England, and who, while away, resigned, Mr Jones being chosen to fill the vacancy. Later, in 1862, Mr Thatcher, who, though resident in England, still retained his interest in the parish, obtained from the eminent church ai» chitect, Mr Butterfield, a plan for a new church, which was to be built of Mt. Eden stone at a cost of £ 500. But evidently Jhe Home architect had little idea of the cost of labour in this far-off corner of the Empire, for when tenders were called for the work the lowest received was £6650. As such an expenditure was obviously far beyond the resources of the parish the scheme had to be abandoned, but the then requirements of the congregation demanded some sort of church. At this stage the late Mr Jerome Cadman and Mr T. W. Doonin, members of the church committee, had a conversation on the matter, and came to the conclusion committee, had a conversation together, and came to the conclusion that the best thing to be done under the circumstances was to build a wooden church that would last zu years. Subsequently, at a special meeting, Messrs Doonin, Webb, Ozanne and Fendelon were appointed a sub-committee to carry this suggestion into effect, and a year later, in 1863, the present church was erected, at a cost of £l2OO. But so rapid was the growth of the city’s population, and so great the popularity of Mr Jones, that before the edifice had been opened a year an addition had to be made to it costing £2OO.

The incumbent went to England in 1865, on private affairs, and the Rev. Edward Nugent Bree became locum tenens, a position which he continued to hold till 1867, when Mr Jones returned to his charge. While absent Mr Jones had sent his resignation to Bishop Selwyn, then Bishop of New Zealand, but the latter, having consulted with the three nominators, Messrs Doonin, Dickson and Henderson, was persuaded by them to ask Mr Jones to withdraw his resignation. This Mr Jones did, resuming work in the parish and labouring there for several years. But In 1873 his health was so enfeebled that a change was absolutely necessary, and he went to Sydney, where he died, sincerely mourned by those he had so faithfully served. The stained glass window in the present church was purchased by the parishioners and placed in the church to commemorSte his work.

Mr R. H. Mitchell was left in charge as locum tenens when Mr Jones left on leave of absence, and he continued till 1874, when the Rev. R. S. Hassard was nominated to the church by Dean Vaughan. Mr Hassard was compelled through the illness of his wife to go to England in 1877. During the first year of his absence the Rev. Robert Burrows acted in . his place, generously allowing the full stipend (£400) to be paid to Mr Hassard- The continued illness of Mrs Hassard caused her husband at that time to send in his resignation. Meanwhile Mr Glasson succeeded Mr Burrows as locum tenensTowards the end of 1879 the Rev) Wm. Tebbs was nominated by the Rev. Mr Tomlinson in England, acting on behalf of the nominators here, and in June, 1880, he took up the charge. The parish was again left without a Vicar when in 1890 Mr Tebbs visited England, where he died. The Rev. L. H. Outram became locum tenens in March, 1891, and on the death of Mr Tebbs was nomina-

ted to the parish. Mr Outram remained till September, 1893. The Rev. L. Fitz Gerald was appointed Vicar in November of th# same year, and left in iH-health in November, 1899. The present- Vicar, Rev. W. E. Gillam, was inducted to the charge on the 4th February, 1900. THE LUNCHEON. The luncheon in the Strand Cafe on Wednesday in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of St. Matthew’s new church was attended by about 200 people- His Excellency the Governor presided, and had on his right the Ven. Archdeacon Calder, and on his left the Mayor (Mr Alf. Kidd). After lunch had been partaken of the toast of ‘‘The King” was given by His Excellency. On behalf of the Primate, Archdeacon Calder proposed the health of His Excellency the Governor, saying comment was not needed when proposing that toast to an Auckland audience. It might be said of His Excellency, we liked him when we first saw him, and the more we see of him the more we like him. (Applause.) His Excellency returned thanks for the heartiness with which the toast was received.

Mr Geo. Fowlds, M-H.R., proposed “The Primate and Clergy of All Denominations.” He said the Primate was beloved by the people of Auckland, irrespective of denomination. The toast was coupled with the names of Archdeacon Calder and the Rev. Hugh Kelly, M.A. Archdeacon Calder, replying on behalf of the Primate, said he had known him for 26 years, and, as with the Governor, the more he saw him the more he loved him. Rev. Kelly thanked the assembly on behalf of the clergy of sister churches for the manner in which the toast had been honoured. He referred to the warm interest taken by the Governor and the Countess of Ranfurly in church work, and expressed his pleasure at being present that day. His Excellency the Governor then proposed the toast of “Success to St. Matthew’s Church.” He said he felt some difficulty in proposing the toast. He did not know that he had ever before heard of drinking the health of a church, but the toast was there, and they apparently had to drink to the health of the church or the health of the parishioners. As they were all aware, the church had a unique history, which had already been referred to several times. He congratulated Mr. Gillam in not having to collect money, which must be one of the most unpleasant duties which a clergyman had to perform in trying to get a new church. It was a very unique thing at Home, and he expected it was so in the colony, for a church to be built and completed without everybody having to put his hand in his pocket, and without there being a debt when the edifice was finished. He referred to the fine design that had been chosen for the church, and hoped the church might be a benefit to the people of Auckland, and would carry on Christ’s work.

The Rev. W. E. Gillam, on behalf of the church officers and parishioners, expressed their thanks to His Excellency for the part he had taken in the ceremony. He further thanked the Masonic Brethren for their assistance, and the clergy of other denominations who had attended. The Rev„ Gillam then proposed, and Bro. A. 8. Russell, G.M., N.Z.C-, responded to, the toast of the Masonic fraternity. THE CONVERSAZIONE. The celebrations in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of St. Matthew’s Church were brought to a conclusion at night by a conversazione in the Choral Hall, which was filled to its utmost capacity. His Excellency the Governor, Lord Ranfurly, was present, accompanied by the Countess of Ranfurly, Captain Alexander (private secretary), the Hon. Chas. Hill-Trevor, A.D.C., and Captain Boscawen, Hon. A.D.C. His Lordship the Primate, Bishop Cowie, was present, and also a large number of the clergy. The Governor and party arrived about half-past eight, and were received with the National Anthem, and remained at the conversazione for about an hour. The Rev. Canon Mas Murray gave a short address in the early part of the

of' laying the foundation stone of the new church as ornate, stately and dignified. He was pleased to be able to stand by and watch the ritual being carried on by the laity. The clergy were sometimes criticised too severely for their ritual, but he thought that when the laity were conducting any function they had much more ritual than the clergy. He was glad to see some good stout North of Ireland Protestants taking part in the ritual. He asked himself what it all meant, and it seemed to him we could learn this lesson—that whenever men were associated together to give a united expression of praise and adoration there must of necessity be some form or ritual. He always liked to get at the idea in the minds of those performing the ritual. Men were more religious than they thought, and that was why the Freemasons and Orangemen in their lodges of necessity turned to ritual. Every person taking part in that function was posing as a fellow-builder of the church, and they should each take up the great work of churchbuilding for the glory of God and the welfare of humanity. Men should be true in moments of danger, and he believed that there never was more necessity for men and women to come forward and show- themselves true soldiers of Christ than at present. The function of the day was a thing for each to think over, and it behoved them to do all in their power to assist in church-building, and to be real church-builders they must be self-denying and self-sacrificing. He trusted that- the vicar of St. Matthew’s would find many fellow labourers to help in the work, and hoped that occasion would be a time of revival in the church work.

An enjoyable programme of musical items was given under the direction of Mr. Arthui- Towsey, who conducted an efficient orchestra of volunteer instrumentalists for the occasion. The following was the programme: Overture, “La Sirene”; selection, “Haddon Hall”; song, “Dreamland,” Miss Morrin; song, “Margarita,” Mr. Tapper; overture, “Stradella,” song, “The Holy City.” Mr. Horace Stebbing; gong-, “Vainka Song,” Madame Chambers; selection, “Faust”; song, “Beloved,” Miss Bollard; song, “Low-backed Car,” Mr. G. M. Reid; waltz, “Autre-fois.”

Prior to the departure of the viceregal party the Rev. W. E. Gillam, vicar of St. Matthew’s, moved a vote of thanks to Lord and Lady Ranfurly for the courtesy they had shown in connection with the day’s proceedings, which was heartily accorded. At the conclusion of the programme, on the motion of Mr. Gillam, a hearty vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. A. Towsey and the performers who had contributed to the evening’s enjoyment. During the evening refreshments were handed round under' the supervision of Mrs. Gillam.