THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2908, 24 May 1873, Page 3

THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

The first lecture of the winter series was given last evening by the Ten. Archdeacon Maunsell, the president of the society, —Capt. Daldy in the chair. There was a large attendance on the occasion. The proceedings were opened with devotional exercises, the prayer being spoken by the Rev. R. Kidd, Lli.D. The Chairman, in an introductory speech, explained the objects contemplated by these winter lectures. The first, though not the highest, object was to provide a rational evening's entertainment for the youth of both sexes. The higher aim was to provide lectures not only of an entertaining and instructive but of an eleTRting character. He deeply regretted that their late president (ihe Rev. E. N. Bree) was, under the providence of God, u/idergoing a severe affliction. He thought the services that gentleman had rendered to the Association were worthy of recognition upon such an occasion as the opening of another winter series. He thought no subject could be more suggestive to young people than that -which had been chosen by the lecturer. There was no need to introduce th? Rev. Dr. Maunsell to an Auckland audience (cheers). He would not further occupy the time which might be so much more profitably oecupicd by the lecturer. —The Ten. Archdeacon Maunsell was received wi'.h much warmth. The subject was. " The Gentleman," what constituted the character ? He had heard of persons who undertook to teacb young women of personal attractions how to dance, aud how to walk, how to deport themselves, and when some show of outward manners had been obtained, and some " wealthy" husband should be caughc, expected to be paid commensuratolv. These were " made ladies," and when they began to talk or to take an active part in society, were soon detected. The same, with a slight; superficial difference, was the case with " the gentleman." Some of them were made. The truth was that the sources from which personal manners were derived were either innate or conventional. That which contributed the character of the true gentleman was innate. Some had held with good reason that the character of the true gentleman was innate. There were many conventional observant e* which were common to all persons of training and education. But there were many characteristics which derived none of their force fiom these. Ihe most unmistakable signs of gentle manners were to be found in humble life. The rev. lecturer ' cited a great number of instances. The most reliable signs of the gentleman were an unfailing politeness, a nice discretion, selfrestraint, self-denial, and a fine sensibility. He had experienced several occasions when these qualities, and the absence of them, made the character of the individual conspicuous, either for gentle manners or vulgarity. Impetuous temper, impulsive pretension, were inconsistent with the character of the gentleman. He had known a commander of one of Her Majesty's forces who, when in good temper, was a finished gentleman, but out of temper was a boor. 'J here was no attribute of the gentleman so significant as forbearance. There were people who were distinguished by i effrontery, a pompous manner, aud show of dress. These were either fops, or snobs, or puppies—the last the most contemptible of all. The rev. lecturer cited, to illustrate the position, some of the most telling anecdoteß of the time of Beau Brum~ mell and Beau Nash. These were extremely suggestive as well as amusing, and elicited much merriment. But conventional manners were not to be despised. Politeness, attention, deference to opinion, respect for great qualities were essentials. There was no mark of " a gentleman" so worthy of being cultivated as purity of diction. Slang words, impure ouggeatireneßs, were the surest indications of a coarse and vulgar mind. The lecturer was listened to with great attention ttom the commencement to the close, and at the conclusion of the proceedings the chairman moved a vote of thanks, which was passed to tho lecturer with acclamation. The

Rev. C. Ml. Nelson pronounced tho benediction, and the meeting separated. There wore several part-aongs rendered by Messrs. Howden, Henderson, Bart.ley, and another gentleman whose name we were unable to obtain. The next loci uro will be delivered, by Mr. Severn, on Friday, tho 13th proximo.