YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6567, 4 December 1882, Page 1 (Supplement)

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

A ruiiLlC meeting w.ia held on Nov. 24 at the itn'jrus of the Yuung Aleti'M Christian Absociatmii, Weliesley-Btroet, in order to accurd iin . liiciiil reception to ihe preaideu: of thu association (Ur. b\ linttley), on his return from a vitiit to luo Mother Country. Them wne * social tea at Imlt-pust mx o'clock, before the meeting, to which .. goodly number ait d'jwn. When the c.ib.i-3 had beeu cleared away, tua more importmt business of thu evening cvtumenced. Mr. J. Li. Wilson (oho nf the vice-presidents) prehided, and was sii;ijiijr:ed ou the platform hy Colonel Uault.iiu, i)r. Keuilcrdine, Messrs. b\ \j. Larkins, and l'hos. Macffirl.ne, also vicetho ns*oi:i<ition. There were aloo urt-aent Keva. A. lteid, J. Kobertson, Gye, 1. und K. F. Macnicol, Mr. Thomas Buddie, honorary secietary, and Mr. Brackcnligg, general secrolary. The Chairman made n, brie 1 introductory speech. i\lr on rising, was greeted with cheers. Uu mud h.s would endeavoot t. 6 ;ve a description of thu worltiug of Youug :Ueu'd Uhnatim Associations in America and in cue Mother Uouutry, so far as had como under hia notice, dining his tr.ivels. In America Youu;.'leu's CUiii.ti.iti Associations did u great work, aud did it tuoruuguly. He visited those of .-.hi Francisco, Ciiic.igo, and New York. These instiiiuitms weie generally fine buildings, ia a good street ami iu a yood situation. TLey »eie mule comfortable and attractive to young men, fur tno temporal an.i physical welfare of young nun was considered as well a3 their spiritual wants. There were baths, gymnasiums, classes for book-keeping, languages, phonography, kz. That was tho secular sjde, which brought young men withiu tho reach of the iu-llui'ljc-j of the association. Then the religious work was of allcu-i.-es— prayer meetings, Bible classes, missiun woik, nou*i3 to house visitation, uoy'a missions, &c. LuboiT registries were kept, and young men insisted to get into work. Then thwe were special missions among special cUssi-s of people. Mr. Vanderbilt lining president of one of the associations, and the railroad companies giving £10,000 towards the expenses of such missions. In San Francisco he was heartily welcomed us the president of ihe Auckland Y.M.C. Association, and met thumt who had sympathy with it. At Chicago he had the pleasure of meeting the id v. (Jh iriei Spuigeuu, brother of the Kev. T, Spurgeou, of thi!) niiy, .it one of the conventions lor Chiistiiti work buinj; held there. While in iiew York ho visited the YounjMlii's Chiistiau Association, of which Mr. MoU'iriii-y was aecr?l*ry ; even during the d;iy it w:,3 we!l attended, but at night it was a perfect beehive, eveiy class room h-ing occupied, ami the gymnasium crowded. One feature in all tuete American Young Men's Chiistim Adaeciutions wan that a special room was ahv.iys reserved for the use and convenience of ladies. On proceeding to Englmd the first association he viaitwl was that iu .Ylanche.iter. It hud ;i beautiful building. On visiting London he wont to tho association at Exeter H.ill, of which Mr. Hiue Smith was secretary, aud which was », great centre t-f Christian usefulness. In London there were 2S Youug Men's Christian Associations within a ten mitea'radius. Ho had met in London Mr. Samuel Moiley, and Mr. McArthur (be was glad to say now Sir William .McArthur), both well known in connection with such institutions, hut he had not the pleasure of seeing that grand old man, tho Earl of Stiaftesbury, who had been their steadfist friend, as he was then out of town. At Leeds he found the association doing much good. Iα •Scotland Young Men's Christian Associations were numerous and prosperous. One of the first objects which caught his eyo on entering the leading-room of tbij association in Edinburgh was the aim mac of the Auckland Y.M.C. Association, posted upon tho wall. While in EngI ind he saw a map of Great Biitain, on which was marKed with a red cress every placo whore there wan a Young Men's Christian Association, mid it was astonishing to see how many such tpaiU-s wro dotted over its surface. Ho had obtained two copies, which would ba hung up iu tbe social room of the Auckland association. Another he had seen was a map of Europe ■imilarly marked, and the rod crosses were thickly dotted in Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden, scattered about iu France, iu Italy, and iven marked on Koino itself. Ho had also proa numher of reports, which would be at [.heir service. Tbe Bluu Kibbou Army movement also interested him. About 1 in 10 in London be longed to that organisation. At a week's mission a iSpuigeon's Tabernacle 10,000 blue ribbons ivere issued. In Leicester, where their old friend Mr. GUnrille, was an enthusiastic " bluu ribbon," Go,oo>i !iad been enrolled, whilo in London he had .-.-en Mr. 0. H. Spurgeon, aud Uso something of tho Tabernacle work. On sitting down tbe speaker was loudly cheered. The Chaikuas said they must all feel greatly udu'jted to .Mr. K.ittl.-y for tho mass of interring infoimillion be hid placed before them. I r. was a wonder, tint with his other personal en{lijHineiits-, lie hail found timo to visit so many .n.ititutioiiH, :ind made so many enquiries respecting their workingand management. Brief but inteiesling andappiopriato speeches were made by Mr. and Mrs. l'helps, of tho [liirty of American evangelists, Mr. F. L. Lar,;m«,aud .Mr. Thomas Buddie. The Kev. K. F. N&cnieol pronounced tho Benediction, when the ine-ting HK|>arated. The choir iu connection ivnh tno Theatre ev:iiig"liiticaervices, rendered tome hymns during the evening. A meeting was held on November 8 in the Wullesley-street Baptist Church, in connection with Mr. Fiiirbrother's departure to tho Lake country to establish a Maori mission thero. Theru was a largo attendance. Iβterenting addresses were delivered by tho Rev. Tiios. Buddie, Mr. T. Spurgeon, and Mr. Fairbrother. The anniversary services of the Parnell Wesleyau Church were held on Nov. 12, and there were large congregations on each occasion. The collections amounted to £5 10s. The anniversary soiree and public meeting was held on .November 14, and was very larjoly attended. After tea the public meet])n)CL'odingß. The Kev. Mr. I'arsonson intro- • limed Mr. James Uuttle, who had consented to take the chair oh the occasion. The Chairman yave a short introductory address. Tiie Rev. Mr. Paraouaon read the annual report and balance-sheet of the trustees, liie congregations had improved, but the week evening meetings had not been so well attended as might have been expected. The Suuday-schooi under Mr. Laybourn was increasing, and their thanks were <lne to the superintendent and teachers. The fortnightly meeting of the Hand of Hope was well attended, averaging about 200 adults and children. The class meeting was held ou Tuesday evenings, after the regular meeting. The report, in conclusion, remiudod the congregation of tho need for continued liberality, as thero was still a debt of £250, on which they were paying interest. The balance-sheet showed that the total expenditure for tho year had been £121 2a 6d, leaving a balance of £6 due to the treasurer. The debt at last audit was £300, but it was now reduced to £250, £50 having been paid during tho year. The Rev. J. Dellow then gave a very interesting address on the subject of music and psalmony. The several ministers present each addressed the meeting ou various subjects. Pieces of music were sung at intervals during the evening. The usual votes of thanks were accorded, and the meeting closed with prayer. The anniversary services of the Alexandrastreet Primitive Methodist Sunday-school were held on Nov. 12. The whole of the services were well attended, and the discourses of an appropriate character. In the morning the Rev. Dr. McLeod preached, in the afternoon the Rev. \V. J. Watkins, and iu the evening the Rev. G. W. Spence. The collections were—morning, £7 10s 5d ; afternoon, £5 9s 7d; evening, £7 3s 10d : total, £20 3s 10d. The Sabbath collection forme a small part of the school's income, the receipts forthe year (excluding yesterday's collections) amounting to £167 6s 2d. Tbe expenditure, including the expense of erecting additional class-rooms and enlarging the mam building, amounted to £259 2s 4d, which left a deficiency of £91 16s 2d, further reduced bv yesterday's collections to £71 12a 4d. Mr. Parker presided at the harmonium. At the afternoon service there were about 230 children present.

*' The Wesleyan Church District Meetings u in the Auckland district began on the ; Bth November, at 10 o'clock, under the »: presidency of the Rev. A. Reid. There ': were present, in addition to the chairman, I- the Rev. Thomas Buddie, James Wallis, i- Johu Whewell, William Gittos, William :* J. Watkin, \V. C. Oliver, Henry Bull, :' George Bond, Thomas G. Carr, Henry R. d Dewsbury, Thomas S. Hammond, Walter j L. Salter, Christopher Abernethy, John ; Dellow, Lewis Hudson, G. XV. J. Spence, i, Thomas G. Brooke, John Dukes, W. g! '• Parsonsou, J. T. Pinfold, William Slatle '~ Thomas J. Wills, Hauraki, Paul, c! ; H. (iarlaud, and T. M. Griffin.—Rev. ; - Edward Barber was reported as not having r arrived. Permission of absence was yrauted to Revs. John, Hohbs, J. WarreD, a.id H. ] H. Lawry. Rev. XV. C. Oliver was appointed secretary, Rev. T. G. Carr assistant secre--1 tary, Rev. G. Bond reporter for daily papers, . Kev. H. Bull reporter to New Zealand , Wesleyan. The session was rather prolonged, i continuing for nearly a fortnight. During , the course of the sitting various speeches r were made by workers in the .Maori mission field, in which the future was looked forward 1 to hopefully. The various local arrangements which are made at these meetings were all successfully carried out. It was stated at the inaugural entrance of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland in tit. Patrick's Cathedral, that the Pope has appointed the Very Rev. Father Fynes one of his private ehamherlains. This appcintmeut . entitles Fathi.-r Fyc.es to be called "Me--.-' signore," to wear a purple cassock, aud other i insignia of honour. The Bishop read the • diploma in the church, and presented it to J thu Very Rev. the Vicar-General of the ■ diocese. There was a large gathering of people on ' Nov. 15 at Wesley College, Three Kings, to witness the auuual examination of the '. Maori students. The Rev. A. Reid (chairman of the district) presided, and after the singing of a hymn, the Rev. XV. Gittos engaged iu prayer. Tho following are the names of the examiners, with the subjects allotted them : —Kev. \V. Sladc, grammar; Mr. Marshall, 1 arithmetic; E.ev. K Barber, geography; Rev. G. Bond, catechism ; Rev. A. Reid, Scripture history. The Rev. T. Buddie gave au address iu Maori, conveying anitabl's ""''■-c c.u the tiudcuia and to the Maoris generally. The Treasurer of the College i (Air. McMaster) addressed the meeting, i and referred to the economical manage- ; ment of the present principal. The Rev. . Dr. Kidd next addiessed the meeting, and expressed his high gratification at the progress and general efficiency of the students. ' The Rev. Hauraki Paul referred to the maniI iest decline of ilauhauism in the district where he laboured. Ur. Graham Tawhai also gave a deeply interesting eddresa. On the motion of the Rev. T. Buddie, seconded by Mr. McMaster, a cordial rote of thanks was passed to the principal for the efficient management during the past year. A very attractive feature of the proceedings was the excellent singing of the students under the ablo leadership of Mr. Cranwelll. Mr. Audrew Waipu presided at the organ. The room was most taste f ully decorated with flowers and welcome mottos, aud great interest was manifested in the proceedings. A public circuit tea meeting «-as held in the Ouelmnga Wesleyau school-room on Nov. 14. The room was most tastefully decorated for the occasion by willing hands. The tr.iys were presided over by Mesdames Bond, Byeroft, Fleming, Wing, Mears, Somerville, Clark, Hardiman, aud Gardner, assisted by Misses Morris, By croft. Wing, and Fleming (2). People assembled from all parts of the circuit. Mangere, Woodside, Flat Bush, Papakuia, and Otahuhu, were all largely represented. After tea a public meetiug was held in the church, presided over by the Rev. George Bond, aftsr devotional services the Chairman atated that the financial project of the soiree waa tho liquidation of the parsonage improvement debt. Addrebses were thea delivered by the Revs. H. Bull. W. Gittos, W. J. Watkiu, aud XV. L. Salter. The addresses were interspersed with hymns from Saukey's new edition, tastefully rendered by the Otahuhu choir, under the able leadership of Miss Burnt. The anniversary services, ; u connection with the Graftou Wesleyau Sunday-school were held on Nov. 19. The forenoon service was conducted by the Rev. J. Robertson, of the Beresford street Congregational Church, who peached from the first part of the 2(ith verse of 2Gth chapter of Proverbs, "My son, give me thine heart." The afternoon service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Watkin, who preached from the latter part of the 15th verse and first part of the 16th verse of the 2nd chapter of Philippians "Shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life." The Rev. Mr. Reid, of Pitt-street Church, preached in tho ovoniug, taking for his text the last clause of the 4th verse of the Gth chapter of Ephesians, "But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Tho collections were as follows :—Morning service, £2 Ilia Id; afternoon, £1 9s 10d ; evening, £-1 3s 10d ; making a total of £S Gs 9J. The anniversary soiree and public meeting in connection with the Graf ton-road Wesleyau Suuday-schooi was held in the Wesleyau Church building on Tuesday, November 21. Tea waa served iu the school-room, the following ladies providing the trays :— Mesdames Philipps, Burton, Mears, White, Clayton, Atkin, and Lawry. The attendance was not as numerous as usual on such occasions. At the. public meeting Mr. MeMasters was called to the chair. The Secretary read the report for the past year, from which we take the following particulars : —The year had not been so prosperous as tho teachers could have wished. There had been a failing somewhere. The teachers felt that if parents visited the school there would I.e greater encouragement. They invited the co-operation of the parents for the ensuing year. Two mp.le and two female teachers had been lost to the school ly removal during the past year. They had lost the aid of Mr. J. Me Masters, who had been superintendent of the school for twelve years. The teachers deeply regretted the resignation ot Mr. McMastors. The school had need of two persons to act as visitors. The Band of Hope in connection with the school was progressing favourably, there being 110 names ou the roll, a3 against 70 last year. The amount collected for the Home Mission this year was not so large as last yeai - , which was £10 ISs sd, aud £2 lGs 7d for the hospital. The collection this year was a little under £IS. As to the library, £5 had been spent in books, making the number of volumes 640. The pit-sent superintendent is Mr. J. White. The following is the list of attendance on the roll :— 6 male and 3 female teachers ; average attendance of teachers (morning), 5 male and 2 female. Scholars on the roll : 43 boys, 24 girls ; average attendance (morning), 21 hoys, 9 girls. Afternoon—teachers on the roll : 11 male and 9 female ; average attendance, S mule and S female teachers. Scholars : SG boys, 67 girls ; average attendance, 54 boys and 47 girls. The number on the roll is 13 less than last year, and 11 less average attendance. The receipts, including balance of last year, amounted to £59 Is lid, leaving £7 lGs 4.d, after all expenses were paid, in the hands of the treasurer. The Revs. Gittos, Watkiu, McKenzie Fraser, and Mr. Price delivered addresses. Mr. F. A. White moved a vote of thanks to the ladies, who provided the trays, and to the speakers. The proceedings opened aud concluded with devotional exercises. A meeting of the Hebrew congregation of Auckland was held on November 19, at which the president, Mr. D. Nathan, occupied tho chair. Reference -was made to the lamented death of the Rev. Moses Elkin, who for 16 or 17 years was rabbi of the Auckland congregation. It was found that he had left his wife and family in very straitened circumstances, and it was resolved to form a committee of the Board of Management, with the names of Messrs. P. A. Phillips and M. Montague added, to solicit and receive subscriptions for the relief of the Rev. Mr. Klkin's family. Any members of the committee will receive subscriptions, and we feel sure there will be a liberal response from all classes to an appeal on behalf of the family of the Rev. Mr. Elkin, who was so long associated with this city, and who was so highly esteemed and respected by all with whom he was brought into contact. The second of a aeries of entertainments in connection with St. Matthew's Church was given on Nov. 17 at St. James , Hall, and comprised a lecture by Mr. H. G. Seth Smith, M.A., on "Comets," and songs and musical selections by ladies and gentlemen. The incumbent of St. Matthew's parish, the Rev. Mr. Tebbs, occupied the chair. On the evening of November 9 a concert in aid of the churob. building fund (Kohu ' Kohu) was held In the Public Hall at Herd's r Point. The management met with unpre- • cedented success, notwithstanding the bad • weather of the morning. The net proceeds ' were £18 6s 6d, a sum never before realised aX any entertainment in the district.

At a conference of Sunday-school teachers at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms on Nov. 28, Mr. F. Battley delivered an address on Sunday-school working in America and England, between 50 and 60 teachers (male and female), were present. Mr. Ellyctt occupied the chair. After a hymn had been sung, Mr. Hemus led the meeting in prayer. The Chairman said that Messr3. Battley and Matthews had placed the Sunday-school Union in Auckland in the proud position in which it was at the present time. Mr. F. Battley then described the working of a Suuday-school in New York, going into considerable detail, and related his experiences in Britain. In very many respects the average Sunday-school teacher in this colony would bear favourable comparison with the teachers in the Old Country. Mr. Battley resumed his seat amidst cheers. Mr. S. H. Matthews, in response, notified that a scholars' examination would take place in February next. Mr. Hemus suggested that an epitome of Mr. Batt'ey's address should be printed and circulated. He proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Battley for his address. Mr. Cox seconded the motion, and it was carried with acclamation The Rev. F. Gonld, of Otahuhu. paid his usual quarterly visit to Waiheke Island, and, through the courtesy of the contractors, held service on November 26, in the new sehoolliouse, which, though not quite finished, was a great convenience to the inhabitants. On Nov. 2S, the Right Rev. the Bishop of Auckland, assisted by the Rev. K. Gould, confirmed a number of candidates. It is the intention of the inhabitants, on the completion of the school house, to hold fortnightly services, conducted by lay-readers. The annual social gathering of the congregation of St. Luke's Church, Mount Albert, took place on Nov. 30 in the Mount Albert Hall. One of Quick's omnibuses left the Union Bank corner at 5.45 p m., and conveyed a party from town to the meeting. The hall was decorated with ferns, flowers, &c. An excellent tea was provided at 6.30 p.m. Besides tea, cake, sandwiches, &c, abundance of strawberries and cream were supplied. The ladies who presided at the trayu were Mesdames A. K. Taylor, Martin, Beck, Haselden, Motion, Thompson, Webster, and Wright. After tea aa entertainment was givon. The Rev. John Haselden (incumbent) presided. The Revs B. T. Dudley and W. Tebbs were present The Chairman in his address said that at the last social gathering it was stated that it was necessary to enlarge the church. Plans for the enlargement of the church had been been prepared by Mr. Bartley, architect. The alterations would be completed in March next, and the church we Id then have sitting accommodation for a ttiuch larger conaregation than at present. Mr. J. "H. Smith, builder, had received thy contract for the work of enlarging tLo church. It was estimated that the cost of the alterations would be £400. An excellent musical programme was gone through, after which the Rev. Mr. Tebbs and Mr. Templar gave readings, and the Rev. Mr. Dudley delivered a short and appropriate address. On the motion of Mr. G. P. Pierce, a vote of thanks was passed to the ladies who had provided the tea ; and on the motion of Mr. A. K. Taylor, a vote of thanks was passed to the ladies and gentlemen who had assisted in the entertainment. The "opening" of the newly completed organ of St. Mark's Church, Remuera, was celebrated on the 29th November by a special choral service and special lessons. Mr. Wella was organist for the occasion. There was a numerous congregation. The Ven. Archdeacon Pritt read the prayers and the first lesson, which was takeu from 11. Chronicles, chap, v., 11 to 14 verges. The Rev. B. T. Dudley read the second lesson, taken from Revelations, chap, xiv., 1 to 5 verses. The sermon was preached by the Rev. B. T. Dudley, taking for his text the first verse of the second lesson. The choir sang the anthem, "Oh, taste and sea how gracious the Lord is," and a number of hymns specially selected. As to the organ itself, it may be stated that, although for nearly twelve months in the church, it was until no*i- incomplete, and new stops had to be sent for to England from time to time. The following tenders have been received for the erection of the new Baptist Tabernacle, Cambridge :—Carter and Hogan, £470; Wakclin and Co., £555 ; C. E. E. Smith, £627 17s Gd ; McFarlane and Miller, £629 ISs; George Sinecdon, £660. The first tender was accepted. The seventh anniversary tea meeting in connection with the H'arkworth Wesleyan Methodist Church was held on Nov. 24, and notwithstanding the unsettled weather there was a large attendance. After tea was finished the meeting was commenced by singing the 731 st hymn. Mrs. Bowen preaidoi at Hie harmonium, rrayer was ofierea by the Rev. T. G. Hammond, of Hokianga. The chair was occupied by the Rev. J. S. Hudson. Addresses were given by the Rev. W. G'ittos, Rev. T. G. Hammoud, and others. The report read by Mr. T. Chaplin stated that the circuit cemprised nine preaching stations, at which 86 regular services for public worship were held during the quarter ; that at Warkworth services were held every Sunday, both morning and evening, a class meeting and praver meeting every Tuesday ; that from 50 to"60 children was the average attendance in the Sundayschool, divided into seven classes under seven teachers ; that the whole of the teachers and nearly all the children were members of the Baud of Hope. The choir gave various pieces of music duriug the evening. The Rev. George Stephenson moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, to the speakers, to the ladies providing trays, to Mrs. Bowen, for presiding at the harmonium, to Mr. Harrison and the choir for the excellent music. This was seconded by Mr. Anjjrove, and carried unanimously. The Paparoa Wesleyan Chapel anniversary was commemorated by special services on Sunday, the 19th November, the Rev. J. Dellow preaching morning and evening, and by a tea-meeting on Monday, the 20th Nov. The weather being favourable, a goodly number of people sat down to an excellent repast provided by Mesdames Wilson, Barton, Goodall, O. Cliff, J. Cliff, and Miss Trounsou. At 7 o'clock the chapel was again filled by the assembled friends, and the meeting opened by singing and prayer. The Circuit Minister, Rev. C. Abernethy, took the chair, and gave the Wesleyan statistics and summary of the District Meeting. The Rev. A. Riding, Mr. Wilson, and the Rev. Mr. Dellow also spoke. Mrs. Moulder and Miss Ovens, of Matakohe, kindly gave the duet " Pilgrims," ?ud thssolos "Cast Bread Upon the Waters." and " Wings;" Mr. Dellow b&ag " The Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers," and " Too Late;" and the choir rendered the anthems "I Will Extol Thee" and "As the Hart Panteth," all of which were much appreciated. After the usual votes of thanka the meeting was dismissed with the Benediction. The proceeds were about £S 10s, exclusive of collections. ■iA musical and literary entertainment was given ou Nov. 30 in the Choral Hall on buhalf of the Wellesley-street Baptist Church building fund. There was a good attendance. The choir, which was composed of singers from a number of the city church choirs, was under the conductorship of Mr. Theophilus Cooper. The first item in the programme was an impromptu performance on the organ by Professor Lambert, which was encored, and was followed by the chorus, " Hark, the Lark!" by the choir. The selected programme was good, and successfully carried out. At the close of the entertainment, on the motion of Mr. Spurgeon, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to all the kind friends who had so spontaneously and generously lent their aid in making the entertainment a success,' and to the choir conductor, Mr. Theophilus Cooper, sen. The meeting closed by the singing of the Doxology. Mrs. Hampson, after closing her mission at Wanganui, became the guest of Sir William and Lady Fox at Weatoe, and will remain for about a fortnight. Thence she proceeds to Napier, where her mission will commence on the 10th December.