Otaki

[NZBC]

OTAKI.i.May 24. A social of a unique and interesting nature was, given at Otaki on Friday evening, when alocal firm of Chinese entertained a number of their friends, the object being chiefly to celebrate the coming baptism of Mr Hai Yen, also his confirmation, and that of Mr James Wong, who was recently baptised. There was a happy gathering, and the proceedings went with a swing that did the management every credit. Mr. Byron Brown, chairman of the Otaki Town Board presided and after dealing with the teachings of. Confucius and the steps the Chinese had made in religion during the past few years, he Welcomed all present,, and expressed hope that one and all would have a most enjoyable time. Among those who assisted in the musical portion of the programme were Mr Hai Yen who delighted his hearers with a flute solo and who sang nicely in Chinese, Nearer My God to Thee." In the games played blind man fight between Messrs Hoi. Yen and James Wong,, proved highly amusing while, the candle games proved highly amusing to the Europeans present. The basket trick was also good, and those who attempted it found it not so easy as they anticipated, and consequently, there was a capsize or two, in which added, hilarity to the Musical chairs also caused much fun, who supper.proved a pleasing feature of the entertainment. Mr Law, Chinese Missionary, addressed a few words in Chinese, which interpreted, was to the effect that he thanked, the Europeans for air their kindness to the Chinese, and hoped all would spend a pleasant evening. Mr T A.King said he did not know how to express his thanks for all the kindness he had, received since taking. up residence in Otaki. "As the oldest Chinese resdent he wished to congratulate the new convert (Mr-Hai Yen) to Christianity. He did not know much about tho details of the Christian religion, but he had lived among a nation of Christian people for many years, and if he were a good speaker he would say many nice things about British Christians. He had always been treated by them as a friend, and many times had these friendships been proved. His life among them had been most happy and he had enjoyed the liberty and freedom that British Christian people gave to all races. His ancient religion had been good, but the Christian religion had been better, and he hoped the new convert would enjoy all the blessings of His adopted religion. (Applause). The "proceedings wore terminated by the singing of the Doxdlogy and the pronouncing of the Benediction by the Rev. G Blathwayt. Among those present were Mrs Wong, of the Chinese Mission, and who does the social part of the work, Mr Law (missionary) and Mrs Law. and Mr Matthew Shum, a secretary of the Chinese Association Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1543, 26 May 1919, Page 6 paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=MS19190526.2.60&srpos=65&e=-------100-MS-1----0wong--