MEETINGS AND SOCIALS.

Evening Star, Issue 13091, 26 October 1908, Page 7

MEETINGS AND SOCIALS.

REV. J<. }i. ’ISITT,' ~ i In tho Garrison Hall yesterday afternoon the-Rev, L. M. I§itt-began a week’s temper., ; ance mission in Dunedin. The Rev. W. j ;S.ade presided, and: the attendance, under the circumstances, was excellent. Mr Lsfft- | also addressed a meeting in tho evening, when the Targe hall' Was almost full. Mr Isitt will take the platform at the Garrison' Hall to-night, Ills- subject being ‘ Humpty D amplyAs will be seen from an announcement in another column, the Rev. Wm. Thomson will be invited each evening to occupy the platform, for 'half .an hour forevery twenty-live l minutes that Mr Isitt speaks... ~ ‘ SOCIALISM AND SCIENCE.’ The weekly meeting of the Socialist party was held in the Trades’ Hall Last evening, j when Mr J; Ritchie lectured on ‘Socialism and Science.’ The speaker dealt principally • with the relation of organic evolutionaryphilosophy to modern scientific Socialisin', endeavoring to show that there was nothing antagonistic between them. It was demonstrated bow, coincident with the progressive evolution of humanity, there hadbeen a continuous development of collectivism, how the struggle between individuals gave place first to the rivalry of the family, of tho tribe, of tho nation, until at present we had the federation of nations typified by the British Empire. It was claimed by the speaker that this pointed to the t time when mankind would be a unit, with each individual' working for' the good 'of the whole. The anti-Sociatisb argument as to the killing of incentive by the elimination of the prospect of individual gain was dealt with. It was pointed out that even the ideals of the present day were not immutable, and while denying that the incentive of gain could bear anything like the weight the ■ opponent of Socialism put upon it, the speaker argued that it'must give way to a higher and nobler ideal. It was pointed ; out, too, in dealing with tho argument that 1 until human nature is changed the Socialist state cannot be established, that science ’ teaches that human nature has already.un- . dergono great changes, and that there will also be great changes in the future. The ? past history of the human race, the speaker - claimed, pointed the way to the collectivist state for which Socialists are working'.

» STRANGER'S’ TEA. The weekly strangers tea was held at the rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association yesterday. Mr J.. Hudson r Edgar, pioneer missionary of tho Cliina Ine land Mission in Tibet, gave an account of j bis work in that country. Ho spoke of the ■-’ difficulties which faced the missionary, these t being chiefly physical, political, and moral. - The work lies principally in the mountain t regions, and tho missionary has constantly t to traverse the passes ranging from 14,000 ! i- to 17,C0 feet in height. The climate is unit healthy, fever and dysentery being very fre- >- quelit, and numbers of people die in the i- high altitudes. The political difficulties are y also strong, but now there was an open i, door, and missionaries were able lo' enter hj upon the much-needed work in the dark i- country. Mr J. Wilkinson presided, and welcomed the strangers, among whom were visitors from England, America, and .Australia.

CAVER-SHAM HARRIERS. The Cavers ha-in Harriers held their annual social and presentation of prizes on Friday,, about fifty couples being present. Mr I'. K. Sidey, M.P. (president of the club), presented the prizes, and congratulated the club on the very successful year and-the number of prizes won. Messrs M'lv.iighb Beat son, Swan, and Newlc.nds acted as M.C.c. The music by Yates and Behth, and the catering by Mrs Beat son, left nothing to be desired. The following is'the prize-list:—Novice Race: D. Frew 1, AV. Xcwhi-nds 2. Vice-president’s Handicap : F. Frye 1, J. M'Lauchhm 2, W. Newhmds 5. Championship : F. Frew 1, G. MKniglit 2, J. Beatson 3. .Sealed Handicap; J. : Cuttle 1, F. Fryo 2. Port Road Race (D.A.A.C.), One and Two A files; J. Beatson I. Ten-mile, Otago Intorclub, fastest time Port Race: G. MTvnight. Timam Race, Edmond Cup, fastest ■ time - -Lithot' Dav: F. Frew. Port Race: A. Frefr 2.' Labor Day: J. M'Lauchhm 2. D.A.A.C. 220 Thirds: J. Wills 1. BIBLE RESEARCH SOCIETY. ‘The Bible and the Liquor Traffic’ was the subject of discussion at yesterday’s meeting. Some of the speakers' churned that the Bible encouraged irrtcmpc-ririice, but. this was refuted by tho apostolic injunction, “Let your moderation (i.e., temperance) be kuov.it unto all men,” and again : “Be not drunk with wine.” It was admitted that both fermented and upfermented wine were recognised in Scripture, hut that strong spirits were unknown then. The fact of the Saviour making wino was taken as a preof that He (iicouraged wine-drinking of tiro alcoholic kind, because it was tire'best. This 'assertion was controverted.

At the monthly meeting of the Northeast Valley brand) of the W’.C.T.U. (Mrs J. llrslop presiding) Mrs Blair described the formation of the Union, and urged all the women preterit to do their best to carry Police rise tr; the electorate next mouth. At the celebration- of the thirty-third ‘mi-niver.-ary of Linden Lodge, 1.0.0.1’’. (N.G. Bro. F. dories presiding), ihcic was a largo attcudauce, the various Kebckah ledges being well represented. Apcdogies were received for the iron-attendance of Grand biro Bro. Reid and Grand Treasurer Bro. Alexander, who had made a point of attending every anniversary since the inception of the lodge. Suitable addresses were given by the Rev. 11. L. Snow and by P.G.AI. Bro. D. -M. Miller. A good concert programme was much enjoyed, and dancing followed. Tire dosing social of the Mornington Ladies’ Physical Culture Club took place on Friday evening nr the Mornington School Gymnasium Hall. Progressive euchre was indulged in till ten o'clock, after which dancing was tiro feature of the evening. The euchre prizes were handed to the winners by Air T. APCroric (president), and gifts were also made to Alias E. Ford (pianist) and to Air A. Galloway, (instructor). Air G. Jackson supplied the marie, unci Alessrs Haig and Young were A 1.0.5. 1 Tire company entered into the enjoyment of the evening very heartily. The hall had been tastefully decorated by Aliss E. Michie (secretary) and the Committee. At the weekly meeting of Pioneer Lodge, 1.0. G.T. (Bro. J. W Conrissiong presiding), in the singing competition the -lirst prize was awarded to Sis. Ahlbrint, with Siu. A. Scott second. A syllabus committee lor next quarter was elected. The success of the entertainment at Port Chalmers on Friday night, organised .by Captain Holland, the leader of the Salvation Army at Port Chalmers, was greatly marred by the unfavorable weather. The Dunedin choristers journeyed from town nevertheless, and gave a bright musical programme..