The most interesting entertainments we have been privileged to witness, was given at the Girls Industrial Home on Friday evening. The place was beautifully decorated, and appropriate mottos were on the wall In the room adjoining the Schoolroom, through which the company had to pass, was a large Christmas Tree laden with toys and other articles. The invitations, were numerous, and the Schoolroom was crowded. Amongst those present were--Mrs Dalrymple Hay and family, Auchendoon; Mrs Heron Maxwell and family, Kirroughtree; Miss Agnew, Barnbarroch; Miss Vent, Eskdale Cottage; Rev. Mr and Mrs Smith; Rev. Mr Strahan; Mr and Mrs A. B. Matthews, banker, and several of the principal merchants and ladies of the town. There were nearly 50 of the Home Girls, and their appearance showed they were well cared for in every respect. For fully an hour the girls delighted the audience with singing, which was really excellent, and recitations were also given. "Speak Kindly" was rendered by one of the girls quite to perfection, which must reflect great credit on the matron, MRs Mackay, as a teacher. Even the youngest, a child of 2½ years, was set upon a chair, and cleverly repeated her story. Mr Hodkinson afterwards entertained the audience for about one hour and a-half, first with some of his deceptions, and afterwards with his marionettes—the latter being very amusing. At the conclusion of this performance, the Rev. Mr Strahan distributed the prizes to the girls. The first prize was awarded to Catherine Murphy, a purse containing 10s and a book. The other girls received a book in value according to merit. Short addresses were then delivered by Rev. Mr Strahan, and the Rev. Mr Smith after which the girls again sung a number of songs. The proceedings were brought to a close after the usual votes of [Illegible]