Soiree at the School

FIFE HERALD, THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 1857

SOIREE AT CAIRNEYHILL

A soiree took place in Cairneyhill school-room, on Friday evening last – the Rev John More in the chair, who, in introducing the object of the meeting – to provide prizes for the day scholars at the village school – dwelt at considerable length on the good results of holding out a reward to the best scholars, and remarked that prizes, while they stimulated all, resembled a beacon to urge on the lagging student, and were a source of after gratification to the successful competitor in his journey through life.

The other speakers were – Mr James McLeish, Dunning; P C Duncanson, and D Ross, Cairneyhill; who spoke most effectively on their various subjects. The harmony was really an intellectual, as well as musical treat, the singers being Miss Janet Cook, Messrs J L Miller and Gibbet, of Dunfermline. This is among the first of Miss Cook’s public appearances, and she acquitted herself to the gratification of all, by her modest, chaste and artistic rendering of her various songs; in fact, she bids fair to excel in this high art.

Mr Miller, in addition to his singing,which was of the first order, gave a dissertation on the Marseillaise hymn, which was listened to with great attention. This gentleman has exerted himself, both in Dunfermline and its neighbourhood, to improve the musical taste of the inhabitants. Mr Gibbett, in addition to accompanying the various songs on the harmonium in a masterly style, sang several songs with great taste and effect. Mr Hutcheson, the new precentor, and Mr Clark, favoured the company with a number of songs.

The evening was spent in a pleasant and happy manner, and we are happy to say that, after paying the necessary expenses, there will be a good surplus to meet the object for which the soiree was got up. The committee deserve the thanks of the community for their excellent arrangements.