CORRESPONDENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 247, 20 October 1886, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

Sir Matthew Burnett.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Mr Matthew Burnett has just completed his mission in Auckland, extending over 16 days. He has on several days delivered as many as four addresses in schools, workshops, etc., in addition to the evening meetings. In fact, his zeal and working power equals anything we have ever heard of. The meetings have generally bsen woil-attendod and enthusiastic and a number of pledges have been taken, but the collecMons have not been large, the total being just sufficient for tho expenses of hallß, advertising, &c. It is gratifying to know that there is no deficiency, but there is nothing for Mr Burnett. He has no privtte means, makes no financial arrangements - paying his own travelling expenses aDd receiving only the proceeds of the missions conducted by him. A more disinterested man in this respect there cannot be. There must be many who hnv.e been benefited by hia work, who admire his abounding zeal, and others who sympathise with his object, who will be prepared to subscribe to' a fund for his sole benefit. Sir William Fox has headed the list with a contribution of £3. The organisation of tl^o Gospel temperance Committee has been employed for the mission, but the Committee is under no pecuniary obligation to Mr Burnett, in addition to vvhich the funds are not in a condition to allow any financial assistance to be rendered. It is not contemplated to raise a large sum, but the friends would not like him to leave the city without something to help him on his way, and assist in the support of his family. Contributions (large or small) will be thankfully received by Rev. Ravnßford Bavin, A. Cox, Secretary of the Gospel Temperance Mission, Coombes's Arcade, or by thewriter, —I am, etc., C. Worboys, President of the Gospel Temperance Mission.

A curious statement as to the reliability of Auckland gas metera is made by Mr Samuel flerapath, architect. Not being satisfied with a recent month's gaa bill (£2 ")-), he resolved to economise by turning off the gaa altogether. This was done with the rosult that he found at the end of the month that he was only charged £1 19b. Net saving, 6s, less cost of kerosene.