LONDON.

Dunstan Times, Issue 898, 4 July 1879, Page 3

LONDON.

This was the subject chosen by the Rev. T. E. Ash for his lecture on Wednesday evening last, in the Town Hall, Clyde. The lecture was in aid of the funds of the Dunstan District Hospital, and this, together with the ability of the lecturer, had the effect of drawing together a numerous and appreciative audience. Mr Warden Simpson oooupie 1 the chair. The Chairman in introducing the lecturer, said it was unnecessary for him to dilate on the abilities of Mr Ash, as he was equally well known as a lecturer as he was as a preacher. The Eev Mr Ash introduced the subject by saying it might be thought a peculiar subject for a clergyman to choose to lecture upon, hut really the clergy had had far more to do with early London than was generally supposed, as was evidenced by the names given, and still retained, to buildings and localities, lie went back to the period when Egbert first founded London, and traced its gradual rise in size and importance down to the present time. The lecturer was full of statistics of all kinds. There were more Jews in Loudon than in Palestine, mure Scotchmen than in Edin burgh, and more Irish than in Dublin. He contrasted ancient and modern London, and described all the changes and improvements that had been made by the introduction of the railway. The secret of London’s success he attributed to her integrity in commercial pursuits. He adopted a rather ingenious and novel method of describing all the sights and wonders to be seen in London, and this was by describing the perambulations and troubles a'nd places visited by a countryman who had come up to London with the intention of thoroughly “ doing it in a week on five pounds.’ He started him on Monday morning on Loudon Bridge, and thence throughout the week he takes him to all the sights to be seen The wonders met with at every turn were very graphically described, the difficulties of a oountiymaii for the first time in the big city were shown, and the mistakes he made, and the care he took of his siller were told and highly appreciated by Ids audience. The lecturer brought his lecture to a close by giving a very interesting description of St. Paul’s and Westminster Abbey, and resumed his seat amidst continued cheers. Mr Simpson then proposed a vote of thanks to the reverend gentleman for his highly entertaining and instructive lecture, which was received with applause. The Eev Mr Ash brielly acknowledged the compliment, and the audience then dispersed.