LECTURES.

Evening Star, Issue 7309, 6 September 1887, Page 2

LECTURES.

“ The Influence of Ladies on Friendly Societies” was the subject of a leoturo given by P.G. Bro. Wathen in the Albany street Hall last evening, G.B. Bro. Reid presiding. Notwithstanding the inclement Weather, there was a latge attendanbe. The lecturer pointed out that, while little had been done in Australasia to form Rebekah Degree lodges iu connection with the 1.0.0. F., there were 60,000 Daughters of Rebekah in the United States lodges. The R.D. lodges numbered 1,260, their total value being overLl 8,500; while they granted relief at th p rate of L 4,000 a year. Illustrations were given to show that the beneficent work of our lodges could be largely extended if they obtained the hearty sympathy and co-operation of the fair sex. To the question Has anything been done in Dunedin to establish Rebekah Degree lodges ? he might say that in the early days hero steps were taken in that direction and degrees conferred on a few ladies ; but that time was apparently inopportune, and it remained for zealous friends to start those lodges on a prosperous career. To say a word in favor of the influence of ladies or of friendly societies nowadays was clearly as superfluous as attempting to throw perfume on the violet, to paint the lily, or to gild refined gold. At Home and in the colonies women were surpassing their male compeers in the highest seats of learning, and it was essential that ladies should let their lamps of knowledge shine for the benefit of their homes, kindred, and country. The time should not bfi far distant when we might count Rebekah Degree lodges in New Zealand in the same proportion to our people as similar lodges obtain to the population of the United States. In the officers of the Rebekah Degree lodges we might see qualities which made such women as were found in history, whose excellence appeared to us far preferable to that of men. There was no necessity to repeat the statistics so frequently quoted to show the notable influence of women while urging the advantages of temperance. If the influence of ladies were fully extended to friendly societies it would hasten the good time coming when nations should beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning-hoolts—when the good of all should be each soul’s rule, And universal peace Lie like a shaft of light across the land, And like a lane of beams athwart the sea, Thro* i ll the circle of the golden yGan Letters Wbrc received from the Hon. Sir R. Stout and Dr Coughtrey, regretting their unavoidable absence. On the motion of Bro, Alexander, seconded by Bro. Dunne, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the lecturercr, who briefly acknowledged the compliment. Scientific lectures are not as a rule well attended in Dunedin, and it was not surprising t hat the lecture of Dr C. A. Edwards, L.H.C.P., L R.C.S., L.S.A., on “Light, Sound, Heat, and Electricity” attracted only a moderate audience to the Lyceum Hall last evening. We venture to say, however, that had such an interesting entertainment as Dr Edwards furnished been anticipated the hall would have been crowded. Numerous experiments of a most engaging and novel character were conducted throughout the whole lecture, which consisted for the most part of a running commentary on the exhibitions which took place. By the aid of a powerful battery Dr Edwards showed the effect of, molecular motion, which he explained to be the source of light, sound, heat, and electricity alike, in a variety of ways. Currents were passed through high vacua and different gasses so as to produce striking and beautiful phenomena; and the use of electricity as a means of firing torpedoes and cannons was put to a practical test. Telephonic and photograhic experiments were also very successfully accomplished. Dr Edwards has an easy and taking mode of address, and his remarks were listened to with the greatest interest. It is not improbable that the lecture will be repeated. If it is wo would advise all who can appreciate instructive entertainment to patronise it.

Mr T. W. Whitson last evening delivered an instructive lecture on “American Notions ” in connection with the Moray place Mutual Society. His remarks were based upon his own observations during his journey through the States last year. In dealing with “ Chineetown,” in San Francisco, he pictured vividly the habits and homes of the Chinese as he saw them. He dealt with the good and the bad sides of the American people viewed from a New Zealander’s point of view, mentioning among other things the good work that was being carried on by the Flower Mission, an organisation taken part in by women of all creens. He also gave a description of American churches and preachers, and of the American Press.